Transgenerational inheritance of longevity: epigenetic mysteries abound.

Berger, Shelley L · Cell Metab · 2012

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Abstract

Transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic characteristics in plants has been reported, whereas nongenetic persistence of complex phenotypes in animals is controversial. A recent report by Anne Brunet and colleagues describes a fascinating example of persistence across generations of extended life span in worm and explores whether epigenetic mechanisms account for the longevity.