Exploring the Interconnected Mechanisms of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance

It is estimated that around 70% of all adults around the world have faced trauma in their lives (Benjet et al., 2016). Trauma can cause individuals to undergo epigenetic changes which can lead to health complications in the future (Alegría-Torres et al., 2011). Epigenetics is defined as the study of molecular modifications to DNA through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs that can regulate gene expression independent of DNA sequences (Li, 2021). New evidence suggests that epigenetic changes may be passed down to offspring. However, the exact pathway for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance to occur is unknown. While existing theories, including intrauterine programming, miRNA-mediated pathways, and genomic imprinting, offer possible pathways, none can fully account for the spectrum of transgenerational inheritance. This paper will review the three models proposed and will explore the possibility of their combined influence on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Exploring epigenetic mechanisms can help offer potential intervention points to relieve the negative impact of trauma on several generations.