Intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in animals

Abstract

Animals transmit not only DNA but also other molecules, such as RNA, proteins and metabolites, to their progeny via gametes. It is currently unclear to what extent these molecules convey information between generations and whether this information changes according to their physiological state and environment. Here, we review recent work on the molecular mechanisms by which 'epigenetic' information is transmitted between generations over different timescales, and the importance of this information for development and physiology.