Epigenetic regulation by heritable RNA

Genomic concepts are based on the assumption that phenotypes arise from the expression of genetic variants. However, the presence of non-Mendelian inheritance patterns provides a direct challenge to this view and suggests an important role for alternative mechanisms of gene regulation and inheritanc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PLoS genetics 2014-04, Vol.10 (4), p.e1004296-e1004296
Main Authors: Liebers, Reinhard, Rassoulzadegan, Minoo, Lyko, Frank
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biology and Life Sciences
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Development Biology
Disease
DNA
DNA methylation
Epigenesis, Genetic
Epigenesis, Genetic - genetics
Epigenetic inheritance
Epigenetics
Gene expression
Gene Regulatory Networks
Gene Regulatory Networks - genetics
Genetic diversity
Genetic regulation
Genetic research
Genotype & phenotype
Heredity
Heredity - genetics
Humans
Life Sciences
Mutation
Review
RNA
RNA - genetics
RNA sequencing
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Summary:Genomic concepts are based on the assumption that phenotypes arise from the expression of genetic variants. However, the presence of non-Mendelian inheritance patterns provides a direct challenge to this view and suggests an important role for alternative mechanisms of gene regulation and inheritance. Over the past few years, a highly complex and diverse network of noncoding RNAs has been discovered. Research in animal models has shown that RNAs can be inherited and that RNA methyltransferases can be important for the transmission and expression of modified phenotypes in the next generation. We discuss possible mechanisms of RNA-mediated inheritance and the role of these mechanisms for human health and disease.
ISSN:1553-7404
1553-7390
1553-7404
DOI:10.1371/journal.pgen.1004296