Gene

Biology

Epigenetics

Endocrinology

Epigenesis

Transgenerational epigenetics

DNA methylation

Germline

Genetic predisposition

Genetics

Overnutrition

Epigenome

Bioinformatics

Inheritance (genetic algorithm)

Internal medicine

Medicine

Obesity

Disease

Gene expression

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism

The prevalence of obesity and associated diseases has reached pandemic levels. Obesity is often associated with overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle, but clearly other factors also increase the susceptibility of metabolic disease states. Ancestral and direct exposures to environmental toxicants and altered nutrition have been shown to increase susceptibility for obesity and metabolic dysregulation. Environmental insults can reprogram the epigenome of the germline (sperm and eggs), which transmits the susceptibility for disease to future generations through epigenetic transgenerational inheritance. In this review, we discuss current evidence and molecular mechanisms for epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity susceptibility. Understanding ancestral environmental insults and epigenetic transgenerational impacts on future generations will be critical to fully understand the etiology of obesity and to develop preventative therapy options.

Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Obesity Susceptibility