How to translate text using browser tools
22 June 2021 Effects of noninherited ancestral genotypes on offspring phenotypes
Sean M. Cullen, Nora Hassan, Matthew Smith-Raska
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

It is well established that environmental exposures can modify the profile of heritable factors in an individual's germ cells, ultimately affecting the inheritance of phenotypes in descendants. Similar to exposures, an ancestor's genotype can also affect the inheritance of phenotypes across generations, sometimes in offspring who do not inherit the genetic aberration. This can occur via a variety of prenatal, in utero, or postnatal mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the evidence for this process in mammals, with a focus on examples that are potentially mediated through the germline, while also considering alternate routes of inheritance. Noninherited ancestral genotypes may influence descendant's disease risk to a much greater extent than currently appreciated, and focused evaluation of this phenomenon may reveal novel mechanisms of inheritance.

Summary sentence

This is a review of the evidence that non-inherited ancestral alleles can influence the phenotypes of descendants via a variety of mechanisms including germline, in utero, and postnatal processes.

Graphical Abstract

© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Society for the Study of Reproduction. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com
Sean M. Cullen, Nora Hassan, and Matthew Smith-Raska "Effects of noninherited ancestral genotypes on offspring phenotypes," Biology of Reproduction 105(3), 747-760, (22 June 2021). https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioab120
Received: 3 February 2021; Accepted: 16 June 2021; Published: 22 June 2021
KEYWORDS
DNA methylation
Epigenetic inheritance
genetic nurture
GENOMIC IMPRINTING
germline
in utero inheritance
inheritance
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top