Epigenetic inheritance across multiple generations

Abstract Inheritance of a phenotype acquired in the somatic cells of an organism to the subsequent generation without the involvement of genetic machinery is termed transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). The phenomenon of TEI has been observed across a wide variety of organisms including plant, invertebrates, mammals, and humans. Inheritance of altered phenotype is the consequence of inheritable epimutations and is transmitted through both paternal and maternal germ line. Epigenetic dynamics of germ lines has to be understood to decipher the various mechanisms by which an acquired phenotype is transmitted to the next generation. Errors in DNA methylation and histone reprogramming as well as the role of noncoding RNA in the transmission of the epimutations are widely being investigated. Several new hypotheses propose the role of extracellular vesicles and Hsp90 proteins in TEI. The contribution of TEI to interfere and thus bring about changes in organism ultimately leading to its evolution is also a subject gaining prominence.