New research shows that characteristics passed between generations are not decided solely by DNA, but can be brought about by other material in cells called histones. Histones are proteins in cells that are not part of the genetic code. They act as spools around which DNA is wound.
Histones act as controllers that decide whether or not genes are switched on or remain dormant. Naturally occurring changes to these proteins affect how they control genes. Those changes can be sustained from one generation to the next and so influence which traits are passed on.
Histone activity has been linked to particular traits or health conditions by researchers. Continuing research focuses on whether changes to the histone proteins that are caused by environmental conditions — such as stress or diet — can influence the function of genes passed on to offspring.
The research confirms a long-held expectation among scientists that genes could be controlled across generations by such changes. However, it remains to be seen how common the process is.
Scientists tested the theory by carrying out experiments in a yeast with similar gene control mechanisms to human cells. They introduced changes to a histone protein, mimicking those that occur naturally, causing it to switch off nearby genes. The effect was inherited by subsequent generations of yeast cells.
Professor Robin Allshire, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences, who led the study cited below, said: “We’ve shown without doubt that changes in the histone spools that make up chromosomes can be copied and passed through generations. Our finding settles the idea that inherited traits can be epigenetic, meaning that they are not solely down to changes in a gene’s DNA.”
Pauline N. C. B. Audergon, Sandra Catania, Alexander Kagansky, Pin Tong, Manu Shukla, Alison L. Pidoux, Robin C. Allshire. Restricted epigenetic inheritance of H3K9 methylation. Science, 2015 DOI: 10.1126/science.1260638
Histones. Better to have Herstones.
I agree with WoFat, and what does this new research tell us about Hillary Clinton?
I suspect that she is an alien inside a human skin.
There is a new book about Hillary just wot. Let us hope it rings lots of bells.
It makes one wonder about what the impact of the 'better' diet will have on the upcoming generations…
And gene splicing to produce "better" humans…
What you're saying is completely true. I know that everybody must say the same thing, but I just think that you put it in a way that everyone can understand. I'm sure you'll reach so many people with what you've got to say.
Interesting. Since all my ancestors were barking I don't think it matters what I eat…
Awesome work.Just wanted to drop a comment and say I am new to your blog and really like what I am reading.Thanks for the share
Comments are closed.