“Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance refers to the transmission of epigenetic information through the germline. While it has been observed in plants, nematodes and fruit flies, its occurrence in mammals-and humans in particular-is the matter of controversial debate, mostly because the study of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is confounded by genetic, ecological and cultural inheritance.” In this paper, Horsthemke discusses the phenomenon of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and the difficulties in experimental and observational studies.
Horsthemke B: A critical view on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in humans. Nature Commun. 9(1): 2973 (2018); doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-05445-5.
