Monday, March 9, 2015

Epigentic Markers Play a Role in Inheritance








Some interesting recent findings have shed new light in the field of genetics. An article by Michael K. Skinner, entitled A New Kind of Inheritance from Scientific American, explains the effects that epigenetic markers may have on future generations. His accidental discovery has led to many more experiments and studies into the mechanisms behind inheriting these epigenetic markers.

Epigenetic markers are methyl groups that chemically attach to the chromosome of a DNA molecule. These are most commonly found when the nucleotide, cytosine, is followed by the nucleotide, guanine, in the sequence of a DNA strand. Epigenetic markers are capable of controlling gene expression, but do not actually alter the DNA sequence in any way. Abnormal changes to these epigenetic markers, or epimutations, can result in deleterious gene expression and even led to cancer.

When Skinner first noticed the possibility of multigenerational epimutations, or mutations in epigenetic markers passed down to future generations, he was collecting data on the effect methoxychlor and vinclozolin played in rat reproduction. These chemicals are common pesticides used in farming and the agricultural industry. They are known as endocrine disrupters, effecting how the signals of hormones form and operate in the reproductive system. A conclusion was drawn that the chemical exposure resulted in an epimutation occurring in the cells responsible for reproduction.

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