Epigenetics is corresponding to the genetic concept, which refers to a non-gene sequences gene expression changes arising from changes, including changes in DNA methylation and chromatin conformation, genomic imprinting, and so on.

Past, to survive the traumatic incident of people as the object of the study found stress, trauma can lead to changes in gene expression patterns, and such changes may be passed on to future generations, to produce similar effects.However, this apparent "memories" of how genetic?

On March 24, came from Israel at Tel Aviv University, school of life sciences research team published a new paper in the journal Cell, through nematode research animal models reveal gene expression changes key to genetic mechanism and confirmed that such a change in generation assuming.

Small RNA, epigenetic decision whether a continuity and the stability of "switch"

Gene expression pattern of inheritance has been considered in a passive attenuation, fading status.But recent research has confirmed that the worm stable gene expression changes in intergenerational inheritance.

Professor Oded Rechavi-led team has been committed to stress, trauma and other outside influence factor study on the stability to her offspring, team have confirmed that small RNA molecules are involved in regulating gene expression changes in gene expression levels the key to genetic factors.

Rechavi explained that previous studies have shown that endure hunger and virus infection of nematodes, sends an environmental trigger gene expression changes of small RNA molecules of the label passed on to the next generation, next generation worms go through the same pain.Moreover, this will be magnified, so this kind of epigenetic changes do not fade as the continuity of generations.They found that RdRPs enzyme is key to the synthesis of small RNA enzymes, to ensure genetic stability.

Through these unique small RNA molecules with green fluorescent protein reporter gene, the researchers found, these genetic mechanisms can being opened or closed, the interaction between the small RNA molecules, which in turn will regulate genetic switches.MOTEK of key genes (Modified Transgenerational Epigenetic Kinetics) is a small RNA synthesis of essential genes and genetic.

Small RNA molecules determines the feedback regulation of epigenetic memory will continue to pass on to the next generation, as well as how long the pass can continue.

A new theory of heredity?

Although these conclusions are built on top of the Nematode worms as model animal research, but researchers believe that this helps to deepen the cognition of epigenetics, is to establish a use with all living things, including humans, epigenetic theory of.

Next, MOTEK research team will study how genes affect epigenetic effects duration.Meanwhile, and explores whether there is a similar regulatory mechanisms.