Bateson, C. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2020

Chromatin-associated effectors of energy-sensing pathways mediate intergenerational effects

Environmental stimuli experienced by the parental generation influence the phenotype of subsequent generations. The effects of these stimuli on the parental generation may be passed through the germline, but the mechanisms of this non-Mendelian type of inheritance are poorly known. Here we show that modulation of nutrient-sensing pathways in the parental generation of a nematode (Auanema freiburgensis) regulates phenotypic plasticity of its offspring. In response to pheromones, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and insulin signaling regulate stress resistance and sex determination across a generation. The effectors of these pathways are closely associated with the chromatin and their regulation affects the acetylation chromatin status in the germline. These results suggest that highly conserved metabolic sensors regulate phenotypic plasticity by changing the epigenetic status of the germline.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2018

Sensory neurons control heritable adaptation to stress through germline reprogramming

Maternal neuronal signaling has been reported to program adaptive changes in offspring physiology in diverse organisms [1, 2]. However, the mechanisms for the inheritance of adaptive maternal effects through the germline are largely unknown. In the nematode Auanema freiburgensis, stress-resistance and sex of the offspring depend on environmental cues experienced by the mother. Maternal sensing of high population densities results in the production of stress-resistant larvae (dauers) that develop into hermaphrodites. Ablation of the maternal ASH chemosensory neurons results only in non-dauer offspring that develop into males or females. High population densities correlate with changes in the methylation status of H3K4 and H3K9 in the maternal germline. Inhibition of JMJD histone demethylases prevents mothers from producing dauers and hermaphrodite offspring in high-density conditions. Our results demonstrate a case of soma-to-germline transmission of environmental information that influences the phenotype of the following generation through changes in histone modifications of the maternal germline.\n\nHighlightsO_LIHigh population density leads to the production of hermaphrodite offspring.\nC_LIO_LIThe ASH neuron in the hermaphrodite mother senses population density.\nC_LIO_LIHistone modifications in the maternal germline correlate with the sex of offspring.\nC_LIO_LIInhibition of histone demethylases results in female offspring in all conditions.\nC_LI

developmental biology↗