Abstract
The field of epigenetics has gained major importance over the past decade and led to the emergence of new conceptual thinking in biology and medicine. One of the most fascinating of these new ideas is the concept of germline epigenetic inheritance, which suggests that environmental factors can induce epigenetic alterations in germ cells, which can influence offspring. Recent scientific breakthroughs have provided causal evidence for germline epigenetic inheritance in mammals. Over the last couple of years, the field has exponentially grown, and evidence to suggest that a wide range of environmental factors can induce heritable changes is rapidly accumulating. Although still very novel, new studies need to consider this prior knowledge if the field is to move forward efficiently.
Bohacek, J