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Alterations in sperm long RNA contribute to the epigenetic inheritance of the effects of postnatal trauma

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Gapp, K. 
van Steenwyk, G. 
Matsushima, W. 

Abstract

Abstract: Psychiatric diseases have a strong heritable component known to not be restricted to DNA sequence-based genetic inheritance alone but to also involve epigenetic factors in germ cells. Initial evidence suggested that sperm RNA is causally linked to the transmission of symptoms induced by traumatic experiences. Here, we show that alterations in long RNA in sperm contribute to the inheritance of specific trauma symptoms. Injection of long RNA fraction from sperm of males exposed to postnatal trauma recapitulates the effects on food intake, glucose response to insulin and risk-taking in adulthood whereas the small RNA fraction alters body weight and behavioural despair. Alterations in long RNA are maintained after fertilization, suggesting a direct link between sperm and embryo RNA.

Description

Keywords

Article, /631/337, /631/443, /631/378, /45/91, /45/90, /64/60, article

Journal Title

Molecular Psychiatry

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1359-4184
1476-5578

Volume Title

25

Publisher

Nature Publishing Group UK