Paternal transgenerational epigenetic mechanisms mediating stress phenotypes of offspring. (17th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cunningham, Ashley M.; Walker, Deena M.; Nestler, Eric J.
• Other Names: Barrot Michel guestEditor.; Yalcin Ipek guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: European journal of neuroscience. Volume 53:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 271
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2019-10-17
• Subjects: epigenetics -- sperm -- transgenerational stress; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14582
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-816X

Abstract

Abstract: Depression and anxiety risk are highly influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recently, it has been proposed that epigenetic mechanisms may also contribute to the transmission of both depression‐ and anxiety‐related behaviors across multiple generations. This review highlights long‐lasting epigenetic alterations observed in offspring of fathers, including some distinct effects on male and female offspring, in animal models. Available evidence emphasizes how both the developmental time point and the type of paternal stress (social vs. asocial) influence the complex transmission patterns of these phenotypes to future generations. This research is critical in understanding the factors that influence risk for depression and anxiety disorders and has the potential to contribute to the development of innovative treatments that can more precisely target vulnerable populations. Abstract : Males exposed to stress in early life or adulthood transmit stress phenotypes to offspring with more robust phenotypes in males. Stress type (social or asocial) and the timing of stress appear to impact behavioral and epigenetic transmission patterns. Epigenetic changes are observed in both the gametes of fathers exposed to stress and their offspring.