eLife,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Aug. 21, 2024
Here
we
report
our
attempt
to
replicate
reports
of
transgenerational
epigenetic
inheritance
in
Caenorhabditis
elegans
.
Published
results
from
multiple
laboratories
show
that
C.
adults
and
their
F1
embryos
exposed
the
pathogen
Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
aversion
behavior
a
exposure-dependent
increase
daf-7/TGFβ
reporter
gene
expression.
However,
one
group
persistence
elevated
daf-7
expression
F2,
F3,
F4
generations.
In
contrast,
failed
consistently
detect
either
avoidance
response
or
beyond
generation.
We
did
confirm
dsRNA
transport
proteins
SID-1
SID-2
are
required
for
intergenerational
(F1)
avoidance,
but
not
Furthermore,
reanalysis
RNA
seq
data
provides
additional
evidence
this
inherited
PA14
may
be
mediated
by
small
RNAs.
The
experimental
methods
well-described,
source
materials
readily
available,
including
samples
reporting
laboratory,
explored
variety
environmental
conditions
likely
account
lab-to-lab
variability.
None
these
adjustments
altered
results.
conclude
example
lacks
robustness,
response,
daf-7p::gfp
progeny,
requires
sid-1
sid-2
,
identify
candidate
siRNAs
target
genes
mediate
response.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: June 3, 2024
Abstract
Here
we
report
our
attempt
to
replicate
reports
of
transgenerational
epigenetic
inheritance
in
Caenorhabditis
elegans
.
Published
results
from
multiple
laboratories
show
that
C.
adults
and
their
F1
embryos
exposed
the
pathogen
Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
aversion
behavior
a
exposure-dependent
increase
daf-7/TGFβ
reporter
gene
expression.
However,
one
group
persistence
elevated
daf-7
expression
F2,
F3,
F4
generations.
In
contrast,
failed
consistently
detect
either
avoidance
response
or
beyond
generation.
We
did
confirm
dsRNA
transport
proteins
SID-1
SID-2
are
required
for
intergenerational
(F1)
avoidance,
but
not
Furthermore,
reanalysis
RNA
seq
data
provides
additional
evidence
this
inherited
PA14
may
be
mediated
by
small
RNAs.
The
experimental
methods
well-described,
source
materials
readily
available,
including
samples
reporting
laboratory,
explored
variety
environmental
conditions
likely
account
lab-to-lab
variability.
None
these
adjustments
altered
results.
conclude
example
lacks
robustness,
response,
daf-7p::gfp
progeny,
requires
sid-1
sid-2
,
identify
candidate
siRNAs
target
genes
mediate
response.
EMBO Molecular Medicine,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Jan. 22, 2025
Abstract
Recent
studies
argue
for
a
novel
concept
of
the
role
chromatin
as
carrier
epigenetic
memory
through
cellular
and
organismal
generations,
defining
coordinating
gene
activity
states
physiological
functions.
Environmental
insults,
such
exposures
to
unhealthy
diets,
smoking,
toxic
compounds,
infections,
can
epigenetically
reprogram
germ-line
cells
influence
offspring
phenotypes.
This
review
focuses
on
intergenerational
transgenerational
inheritance
in
different
plants,
animal
species
humans,
presenting
up-to-date
evidence
arguments
effects
light
Darwinian
Lamarckian
evolutionary
theories.
An
overview
changes
induced
by
infection
or
other
immune
challenges
is
presented,
how
these
changes,
known
epimutations,
contribute
shaping
The
mechanisms
that
mediate
transmission
alterations
via
germline
are
also
discussed.
Understanding
relationship
between
environmental
fluctuations,
resistance,
susceptibility
diseases
critical
unraveling
disease
etiology
adaptive
evolution.
mSystems,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: March 20, 2025
ABSTRACT
The
molecular
and
physical
communication
within
the
microscopic
world
underpins
entire
web
of
life
as
we
know
it.
However,
how
organisms,
such
bacteria,
amoebae,
nematodes—all
ubiquitous—interact
to
sustain
their
ecological
niches,
particularly
associations
generate
influence
behavior,
remains
largely
unknown.
In
this
study,
developed
a
framework
examine
long-term
interactions
between
microbes
animals.
From
soil
samples
collected
in
temperate,
semi-arid
climate,
isolated
culturable
bacterial
genera,
including
Comamonas
,
Stenotrophomonas
Chryseobacterium
Rhodococcus
well
amoeba,
Tetramitus
.
This
microbial
ensemble
was
fed
nematode
C.
elegans
experiments
spanning
over
20
generations
assess
developmental
rate,
dauer
entry,
fertility,
feeding
behavior.
Our
findings
reveal
that
nematodes
create
stable
environment
where
no
species
are
exhausted,
enter
diapause
after
several
generations.
We
have
termed
phenomenon
formation
on
naturally
derived
ensembles
(DaFNE).
DaFNE
occurs
across
range
optimal
temperatures,
from
15°C
25°C,
is
dependent
nematode’s
pheromone
biosynthesis
pathway.
intensifies
with
each
passing
generation,
exhibiting
both
strong
intergenerational
transgenerational
effects.
Moreover,
RNA
interference
(RNAi)
pathway—both
systemic
cell-autonomous—is
essential
for
initiating
DaFNE,
while
heritable
RNAi
effectors
required
its
These
indicate
RNA-mediated
plays
critical
role
bacterially
induced
behaviors
natural
environments.
IMPORTANCE
Microscopic
most
abundant
multicellular
animals
Earth,
which
implies
they
evolved
highly
successful
relationships
associated
microbiota.
little
known
about
behavior
influenced
complex
ecosystems
multiple
organisms
interact.
used
four
bacteria
an
amoeba
ecosystem
explore
behavioral
responses
Caenorhabditis
8
week
period.
striking
finding
nematodes’
commitment
form
hibernation
diapause.
results
suggest
nature
may
frequently
result
partners.
requires
production
pheromones,
pathway,
indicating
microbiota
play
role.
Interestingly,
at
higher
fewer
needed
trigger
suggesting
mild
increase
temperature
promote
environments
without
causing
stress
C.
elegans’
major
food
source
is
bacteria,
and
worms
are
naturally
attracted
to
many
bacterial
species,
including
pathogenic
Pseudomonas
;
in
fact,
prefer
PA14
as
well
wild
bacteria
over
the
lab
E.
coli
strain
(OP50)
standardly
used
laboratory
setting.
Many
labs
have
shown
that
despite
this
natural
attraction
PA14,
prior
exposure
causes
instead
avoid
PA14.
This
behavioral
switch
can
happen
on
a
relatively
fast
time
scale,
even
within
duration
of
choice
assay.
Here
we
show
accurate
assessment
animals’
true
first
requires
use
paralytic
(azide)
trap
at
their
initial
choice,
prevent
from
avoidance
assay
period.
We
previously
discovered
elegans
25°C
plate-grown
20°C
for
24hrs
not
only
leads
these
animals
switching
but
also
progeny
avoiding
naïve
state,
persists
through
F4
generation.
Other
types
training
cause
P0
and/or
F1
avoidance,
do
induce
transgenerational
(F2
beyond)
inheritance.
showed
(P0-F4)
learned
mediated
by
P11,
small
RNA
produced
P11
both
necessary
sufficient
epigenetic
inheritance
behavior.
highly
expressed
our
standard
growth
conditions
(25°C
surfaces),
other
conditions,
suggesting
reported
failure
observe
F2-F4
most
likely
due
absence
expression
experimenters’
conditions.
Through
mutant
analyses,
tested
genes
–
germline
regulators,
uptake,
interference/processing,
chromatin
modifiers,
neuronal
-
involvement
pathogen
allowing
us
better
understand
molecular
requirements
process.
found
strains
TEI
least
two
P.
vranovensis
fluorescens
15,
avoidance.
The
induced
each
species
functions
specific,
distinct
(Pv1
Pfs1
15
,
respectively)
either
directly
or
indirectly
reduce
levels
gene
maco-1
which
turn
regulates
daf-7
ASI
neuron
subsequent
conservation
multiple
components
mechanism
across
suggests
behavior
be
functional
physiologically
important
C.
elegans’
major
food
source
is
bacteria,
and
worms
are
naturally
attracted
to
many
bacterial
species,
including
pathogenic
Pseudomonas
;
in
fact,
prefer
PA14
as
well
wild
bacteria
over
the
lab
E.
coli
strain
(OP50)
standardly
used
laboratory
setting.
Many
labs
have
shown
that
despite
this
natural
attraction
PA14,
prior
exposure
causes
instead
avoid
PA14.
This
behavioral
switch
can
happen
on
a
relatively
fast
time
scale,
even
within
duration
of
choice
assay.
Here
we
show
accurate
assessment
animals’
true
first
requires
use
paralytic
(azide)
trap
at
their
initial
choice,
prevent
from
avoidance
assay
period.
We
previously
discovered
elegans
25°C
plate-grown
20°C
for
24hrs
not
only
leads
these
animals
switching
but
also
progeny
avoiding
naïve
state,
persists
through
F4
generation.
Other
types
training
cause
P0
and/or
F1
avoidance,
do
induce
transgenerational
(F2
beyond)
inheritance.
showed
(P0-F4)
learned
mediated
by
P11,
small
RNA
produced
P11
both
necessary
sufficient
epigenetic
inheritance
behavior.
highly
expressed
our
standard
growth
conditions
(25°C
surfaces),
other
conditions,
suggesting
reported
failure
observe
F2-F4
most
likely
due
absence
expression
experimenters’
conditions.
Through
mutant
analyses,
tested
genes
–
germline
regulators,
uptake,
interference/processing,
chromatin
modifiers,
neuronal
-
involvement
pathogen
allowing
us
better
understand
molecular
requirements
process.
found
strains
TEI
least
two
P.
vranovensis
fluorescens
15,
avoidance.
The
induced
each
species
functions
specific,
distinct
(Pv1
Pfs1
15
,
respectively)
either
directly
or
indirectly
reduce
levels
gene
maco-1
which
turn
regulates
daf-7
ASI
neuron
subsequent
conservation
multiple
components
mechanism
across
suggests
behavior
be
functional
physiologically
important
Science Advances,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
11(17)
Published: April 23, 2025
In
its
natural
habitat,
Caenorhabditis
elegans
must
distinguish
friend
from
foe.
Pseudomonas
are
abundant
in
the
worm’s
environment
and
can
be
nutritious
or
pathogenic.
Previously,
we
found
that
worms
learn
to
avoid
aeruginosa
vranovensis
through
a
small
RNA
(sRNA)–mediated
pathway
targeting
C.
gene
maco-1
,
this
behavior
is
inherited
for
four
generations.
Here,
show
learns
transgenerationally
another
pathogenic
bacteria
fluorescens
15
(PF15).
The
PF15
sRNA,
Pfs1,
targets
VAB-1
ephrin
receptor
16
nt
of
perfect
match,
suggesting
evolution
distinct
bacterial
sRNA/
target
pair.
Knockdown
both
vab-1
induce
avoidance,
loss
reduces
expression,
placing
genes
sRNA-targeted
avoidance
pathway.
Thus,
multiple
act
as
sRNAs,
expanding
possibilities
trans-kingdom
regulation
behavior.