New Way Epigenetic Information is Inherited: Small RNAs Inherited From Mother Determines Offspring’s Fertility Trait
Monday, December 1, 2008 - 02:28
in Biology & Nature
Scientists report that small RNA molecules called piRNAs can be passed directly from one generation to the next in fruit flies, thereby passing the trait of fertility from the mother to progeny. This process occurs independently of genomic DNA via direct deposits of maternal piRNAs into developing oocytes. The piRNAs suppress the expression of DNA sequences called "transposons" that would otherwise lead to infertility in the progeny fruit flies.