1
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Hotzy C, Fowler E, Kiehl B, Francis R, Mason J, Moxon S, Rostant W, Chapman T, Immler S. Evolutionary history of sexual selection affects microRNA profiles in Drosophila sperm. Evolution 2021; 76:310-319. [PMID: 34874067 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The presence of small RNAs in sperm is a relatively recent discovery and little is currently known about their importance and functions. Environmental changes including social conditions and dietary manipulations are known to affect the composition and expression of some small RNAs in sperm and may elicit a physiological stress response resulting in an associated change in gamete miRNA profiles. Here, we tested how microRNA profiles in sperm are affected by variation in both sexual selection and dietary regimes in Drosophila melanogaster selection lines. The selection lines were exposed to standard versus low yeast diet treatments and three different population sex ratios (male-biased, female-biased or equal sex) in a full-factorial design. After 38 generations of selection, all males were maintained on their selected diet and in a common garden male-only environment prior to sperm sampling. We performed transcriptome analyses on miRNAs in purified sperm samples. We found 11 differentially expressed miRNAs with the majority showing differences between male- and female-biased lines. Dietary treatment only had a significant effect on miRNA expression levels in interaction with sex ratio. Our findings suggest that long-term adaptation may affect miRNA profiles in sperm and that these may show varied interactions with short-term environmental changes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosima Hotzy
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, Uppsala, 752 36, Sweden
| | - Emily Fowler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Berrit Kiehl
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, Uppsala, 752 36, Sweden
| | - Roy Francis
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, Uppsala, 752 36, Sweden
| | - Janet Mason
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Simon Moxon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Wayne Rostant
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Tracey Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Simone Immler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
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2
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Praggastis SA, Nam HJ, Lam G, Child Vi MB, Castillo DM, Thummel CS. Regulation of male fertility and accessory gland gene expression by the Drosophila HR39 nuclear receptor. Dev Biol 2021; 479:51-60. [PMID: 34331899 PMCID: PMC8410687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Successful reproduction is dependent on the transfer of male seminal proteins to females upon mating. These proteins arise from secretory tissues in the male reproductive tract, including the prostate and seminal vesicles in mammals and the accessory gland in insects. Although detailed functional studies have provided important insights into the mechanisms by which accessory gland proteins support reproduction, much less is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate their expression within this tissue. Here we show that the Drosophila HR39 nuclear receptor is required for the proper expression of most genes that encode male accessory gland proteins. Consistent with this role, HR39 mutant males are infertile. In addition, tissue-specific RNAi and genetic rescue experiments indicate that HR39 acts within the accessory glands to regulate gene expression and male fertility. These results provide new directions for characterizing the mammalian orthologs of HR39, the SF-1 and LRH-1 nuclear receptors, both of which are required for glandular secretions and reproduction. In addition, our studies provide a molecular mechanism to explain how the accessory glands can maintain the abundant levels of seminal fluid production required to support fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Praggastis
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 North 2030 East, Rm 5100, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Hyuck-Jin Nam
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 North 2030 East, Rm 5100, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Geanette Lam
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 North 2030 East, Rm 5100, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Myron B Child Vi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Rm. 201, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Dean M Castillo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Rm. 201, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Carl S Thummel
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 North 2030 East, Rm 5100, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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3
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Nixon B, Cafe SL, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Dun MD. Molecular insights into the divergence and diversity of post-testicular maturation strategies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 517:110955. [PMID: 32783903 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Competition to achieve paternity has coerced the development of a multitude of male reproductive strategies. In one of the most well-studied examples, the spermatozoa of all mammalian species must undergo a series of physiological changes as they transit the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation) reproductive tracts prior to realizing their potential to fertilize an ovum. However, the origin and adaptive advantage afforded by these intricate processes of post-testicular sperm maturation remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we review literature pertaining to the nature and the physiological role of epididymal maturation and subsequent capacitation in comparative vertebrate taxa including representative species from the avian, reptilian, and mammalian lineages. Such insights are discussed in terms of the framework they provide for helping to understand the evolutionary significance of post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
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4
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Bizuayehu TT, Babiak I. Heterogenic Origin of Micro RNAs in Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar) Seminal Plasma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082723. [PMID: 32326572 PMCID: PMC7216159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin and contribution of seminal plasma RNAs into the whole semen RNA repertoire are poorly known, frequently being overlooked or neglected. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing and RT-qPCR to profile microRNA (miRNA) constituents in the whole semen, as well as in fractionated spermatozoa and seminal plasma of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). We found 85 differentially accumulated miRNAs between spermatozoa and the seminal plasma. We identified a number of seminal plasma-enriched and spermatozoa-enriched miRNAs. We localized the expression of some miRNAs in juvenile and mature testes. Two abundant miRNAs, miR-92a-3p and miR-202-5p, localized to both spermatogonia and somatic supporting cells in immature testis, and they were also highly abundant in somatic cells in mature testis. miR-15c-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-93a-5p, and miR-730-5p were detected only in mature testis. miRs 92a-3p, 202-5p, 15c-5p, and 30d-5p were also detected in a juvenile ovary. The RT-qPCR experiment demonstrated lack of correlation in miRNA transcript levels in seminal plasma versus blood plasma. Our results indicate that salmon semen is rich in miRNAs, which are present in both spermatozoa and seminal plasma. Testicular-supporting somatic cells are likely the source of seminal plasma enrichment, whereas blood plasma is unlikely to contribute to the seminal plasma miRNA repertoire.
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5
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The sperm factor: paternal impact beyond genes. Heredity (Edinb) 2018; 121:239-247. [PMID: 29959427 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fact that sperm carry more than the paternal DNA has only been discovered just over a decade ago. With this discovery, the idea that the paternal condition may have direct implications for the fitness of the offspring had to be revisited. While this idea is still highly debated, empirical evidence for paternal effects is accumulating. Male condition not only affects male fertility but also offspring early development and performance later in life. Several factors have been identified as possible carriers of non-genetic information, but we still know little about their origin and function and even less about their causation. I consider four possible non-mutually exclusive adaptive and non-adaptive explanations for the existence of paternal effects in an evolutionary context. In addition, I provide a brief overview of the main non-genetic components found in sperm including DNA methylation, chromatin modifications, RNAs and proteins. I discuss their putative functions and present currently available examples for their role in transferring non-genetic information from the father to the offspring. Finally, I identify some of the most important open questions and present possible future research avenues.
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6
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Patton GC, Olsson CA, Skirbekk V, Saffery R, Wlodek ME, Azzopardi PS, Stonawski M, Rasmussen B, Spry E, Francis K, Bhutta ZA, Kassebaum NJ, Mokdad AH, Murray CJL, Prentice AM, Reavley N, Sheehan P, Sweeny K, Viner RM, Sawyer SM. Adolescence and the next generation. Nature 2018; 554:458-466. [PMID: 29469095 DOI: 10.1038/nature25759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent growth and social development shape the early development of offspring from preconception through to the post-partum period through distinct processes in males and females. At a time of great change in the forces shaping adolescence, including the timing of parenthood, investments in today's adolescents, the largest cohort in human history, will yield great dividends for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- George C Patton
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Deakin University Geelong, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Vegard Skirbekk
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Nydalen, Oslo 0403, Norway.,Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Richard Saffery
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Physiology, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter S Azzopardi
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Maternal and Child Health Program, International Development Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.,Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Marcin Stonawski
- Department of Demography, Cracow University of Economics, Cracow 31-510, Poland.,European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Centre for Advanced Studies, Ispra, Varese 21027, Italy
| | - Bruce Rasmussen
- Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Spry
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Deakin University Geelong, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Kate Francis
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada.,Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Nicholas J Kassebaum
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA.,Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Ali H Mokdad
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
| | - Christopher J L Murray
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
| | - Andrew M Prentice
- MRC Unit The Gambia, Fajara, Gambia.,MRC International Nutrition Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Nicola Reavley
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter Sheehan
- Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Kim Sweeny
- Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Russell M Viner
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Susan M Sawyer
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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7
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Vega‐Trejo R, Kruuk LEB, Jennions MD, Head ML. What happens to offspring when parents are inbred, old or had a poor start in life? Evidence for sex‐specific parental effects. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:1138-1151. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Vega‐Trejo
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology The Australian National University, Acton Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Loeske E. B. Kruuk
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology The Australian National University, Acton Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Michael D. Jennions
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology The Australian National University, Acton Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Megan L. Head
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology The Australian National University, Acton Canberra ACT Australia
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8
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Gasparini C, Lu C, Dingemanse NJ, Tuni C. Paternal‐effects in a terrestrial ectotherm are temperature dependent but no evidence for adaptive effects. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Gasparini
- Centre for Evolutionary BiologySchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western Australia Crawley Australia
| | - ChuChu Lu
- Behavioural EcologyDepartment of BiologyLudwig Maximilian University Munich Germany
| | - Niels J. Dingemanse
- Behavioural EcologyDepartment of BiologyLudwig Maximilian University Munich Germany
| | - Cristina Tuni
- Behavioural EcologyDepartment of BiologyLudwig Maximilian University Munich Germany
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9
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Hutcheon K, McLaughlin EA, Stanger SJ, Bernstein IR, Dun MD, Eamens AL, Nixon B. Analysis of the small non-protein-coding RNA profile of mouse spermatozoa reveals specific enrichment of piRNAs within mature spermatozoa. RNA Biol 2017; 14:1776-1790. [PMID: 28816603 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2017.1356569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-testicular sperm maturation and storage within the epididymis is a key determinant of gamete quality and fertilization competence. Here we demonstrate that mouse spermatozoa possess a complex small non-protein-coding RNA (sRNA) profile, the composition of which is markedly influenced by their epididymal transit. Thus, although microRNAs (miRNAs) are highly represented in the spermatozoa of the proximal epididymis, this sRNA class is largely diminished in mature spermatozoa of the distal epididymis. Coincident with this, a substantial enrichment in Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) abundance in cauda spermatozoa was detected. Further, features of cauda piRNAs, including; predominantly 29-31 nts in length; preference for uracil at their 5' terminus; no adenine enrichment at piRNA nt 10, and; predominantly mapping to intergenic regions of the mouse genome, indicate that these piRNAs are generated by the PIWIL1-directed primary piRNA production pathway. Accordingly, PIWIL1 was detected via immunoblotting and mass spectrometry in epididymal spermatozoa. These data provide insight into the complexity and dynamic nature of the sRNA profile of spermatozoa and raise the intriguing prospect that piRNAs are generated in situ in maturing spermatozoa. Such information is of particular interest in view of the potential role for paternal sRNAs in influencing conception, embryo development and intergenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hutcheon
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,b Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,c School of Biological Sciences , University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Simone J Stanger
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,b Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,b Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- d Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation , Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,b Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
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10
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Sharma A. Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: resolving uncertainty and evolving biology. Biomol Concepts 2016; 6:87-103. [PMID: 25898397 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2015-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in animals has increasingly been reported in recent years. Controversies, however, surround this unconventional mode of heredity, especially in mammals, for several reasons. First, its existence itself has been questioned due to perceived insufficiency of available evidence. Second, it potentially implies transfer of hereditary information from soma to germline, against the established principle in biology. Third, it inherently requires survival of epigenetic memory across reprogramming, posing another fundamental challenge in biology. Fourth, evolutionary significance of epigenetic inheritance has also been under debate. This article pointwise addresses all these concerns on the basis of recent empirical, theoretical and conceptual advances. 1) Described here in detail are the key experimental findings demonstrating the occurrence of germline epigenetic inheritance in mammals. 2) Newly emerging evidence supporting soma to germline communication in transgenerational inheritance in mammals, and a role of exosome and extracellular microRNA in this transmission, is thoroughly discussed. 3) The plausibility of epigenetic information propagation across reprogramming is highlighted. 4) Analyses supporting evolutionary significance of epigenetic inheritance are briefly mentioned. Finally, an integrative model of 'evolutionary transgenerational systems biology' is proposed to provide a framework to guide future advancements in epigenetic inheritance.
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11
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Hodgson DJ, Hosken DJ. Ultimate and proximate functions of sperm RNA: a reply to Holman and Price. Trends Ecol Evol 2014; 29:650. [PMID: 25445877 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2014.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J Hodgson
- Center for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, TR10 9EZ, Cornwall, UK.
| | - David J Hosken
- Center for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, TR10 9EZ, Cornwall, UK
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