Scientists from the University of Edinburgh's School of Biological Sciences, have studied proteins found in cells also known as histones. They are not part of the genetic code but act as spools which DNA is wound. Histones are known to control whether the gene is switched on or not. Researchers have found that naturally occurring changes to proteins, which affect how they control genes can be sustained from one generation to the next. This influences which traits are passed on.
The finding demonstrates that DNA is not solely responsible for how characteristics are inherited. This can improve research and how and when this method is naturally occurring in nature. It will aid in understanding particular traits or other health issues. It may also provide information into the changes of histone proteins caused by environmental conditions like stress or diet.
Scientists tested the theory by carrying out experiments in a yeast with similar gene control mechanisms to humans. They introduced changes to a histone by mimicking those that occur naturally. This causing it to switch off other nearby genes. The inheritance patterns were reflected in subsequent generations of the yeast. I think this is a huge advance to genetics. We are constantly gaining more knowledge on inheritance.
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