"Challenging dogmas: How transgenerational epigenetics reshapes our views on life" -review


"The expansion of TEI-related research, has profoundly reshaped boundaries within each field and often led to the erosion of theories and concepts considered as tenets of biology"


Neo-Darwinism is a modern synthesis of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and advances in genetics. It states that evolution occurs by the gradual accumulation of genetic mutations that are beneficial to the organism. These mutations are passed on to offspring, and over time, the population evolves.

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in DNA sequence. 


The paper "Challenging dogmas: How transgenerational epigenetics reshapes our views on life" by Harrison D. Wang and Patrick Allard explores the emerging field of transgenerational epigenetics and its implications for our understanding of heredity and life.

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in DNA sequence. These changes can be caused by environmental factors, such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins, and can be passed on to future generations.

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI) refers to the transmission of epigenetic marks from parents to their offspring. This can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA interference.

TEI has the potential to challenge some of the fundamental dogmas of biology, such as the Weismann barrier, which states that the germ cells (cells that give rise to gametes) are isolated from the somatic cells (all other cells in the body) and are not affected by their environment. As well as NeoDarwinism which relys on random mutations. Epigenetics occurs outside of mutations and in fact reduces mutations by upwards of 90%.

TEI research has shown that environmental factors can indeed affect the germ cells, and that these effects can be passed on to future generations. For example, studies have shown that maternal stress can lead to epigenetic changes in the offspring, which can increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

TEI also has implications for our understanding of the nature-nurture debate. Traditionally, it was thought that genetics and environment played independent roles in determining an individual's traits. However, TEI research suggests that these two factors are not as independent as once thought. Environmental factors can influence the epigenetic state of the genome, which can then affect gene expression and phenotype.

The field of transgenerational epigenetics is still in its early stages, and there is much that we do not know about how it works. However, the research that has been done so far has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of heredity and life.

Here are some specific examples of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance:

  • In one study, mice that were exposed to famine during pregnancy had offspring that were more likely to become obese and develop diabetes. This was due to epigenetic changes in the offspring's DNA that were caused by the maternal famine.

  • Another study found that rats that were exposed to stress during pregnancy had offspring that were more likely to exhibit anxiety-like behaviors. This was also due to epigenetic changes in the offspring's DNA.

  • A study of humans found that grandchildren of Holocaust survivors were more likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than grandchildren of non-survivors. This was thought to be due to epigenetic changes in the grandchildren's DNA that were caused by the trauma experienced by their grandparents.

These are just a few examples of the many studies that have shown that TEI is a real phenomenon. As research in this area continues, we are likely to learn more about how TEI works and its implications for human health and well-being.

The implications of transgenerational epigenetics are far-reaching. For example, it could mean that the effects of environmental pollution or climate change could be passed on to future generations. It could also mean that the benefits of healthy behaviors, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising, could also be passed on to future generations.

The study of transgenerational epigenetics is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of heredity and life. As we learn more about how TEI works, we will be better able to understand the causes of diseases and develop new treatments. We will also be better able to understand the impact of our environment on our health and well-being.

Article Snippets

The emergence of the field of transgenerational epigenetics inheritance (TEI) has profoundly reshaped our understanding of the relationships between environment, soma, and germ cells as well as of heredity

TEI refers to the changes in chromatin state, gene expression, and/or phenotypes that are transmitted across several generations without involving changes to the DNA sequences

However, the expansion of TEI-related research, has profoundly reshaped boundaries within each field and often led to the erosion of theories and concepts considered as tenets of biology

molecularization of biology has shifted the definition of epigenetics to include the notion of heredity and how epigenetics has refined our understanding of the central dogma of biology

The demonstrated transfer of environmental information from soma to germ cell through extracellular vesicles and subsequent alteration of health outcomes in offspring has put a definite end to the long-held principle of the Weismann barrier.

TEI has also simultaneously led to the revival of the inheritance of acquired characteristics while further eroding the concept of an epigenetic “blank slate” in mammals.

we will draw a compelling argument for the revolutionary aspect of TEI in biology.




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