Methods for Identifying Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Toxicant Exposure specific non-coding RNA in sperm

Unmet Need: Need for Non-Coding RNA-Based Methods to Trace Epigenetic Inheritance Across Generations

Environmental toxicants can induce heritable epigenetic changes passed across generations, increasing the risk of various disease. Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) have investigated how toxicant exposures can be passed down through generations. Their research focuses on epigenetic inheritance, emphasizing the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in sperm as carriers of these ancestral signals. These ncRNAs signatures not only reflect past toxicant exposures but also serve as potential biomarkers for predicting disease risk in future generations.

The Technology: Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Toxicant Exposure-Specific non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in Sperm

Understanding and identifying the inherited epigenetic changes is crucial for early diagnostics, guiding public health strategies, and potentially addressing disease susceptibility in future generations. Researchers at WSU outlined the novel approach for assessing ancestral toxicant exposure and potential disease susceptibility. The method uses ncRNA signatures in sperm as biomarker for specific types of exposure, later life disease susceptibility and future transmission to subsequent generations of disease susceptibility. The study revealed that each toxicant exposure caused unique, specific changes in the sperm's non-coding RNAs in the F3 generation, which means these changes were inherited. Interestingly, these non-coding RNA alterations largely did not overlap with previously identified DNA methylation changes. This suggests different ways environmental impacts are passed down.

Applications:

• Identification of exposure-specific ncRNA biomarkers
• Early detection of disease susceptibility
• Applicable against multiple fields
• Differentiation of toxicant types
• Development of predictive diagnostic tools
• Integrations into regulatory framework
• Facilitation of therapeutic research

Advantages:

• Non-invasive biomarker source
• Potential for therapeutic development
• Scalable for population studies
• Facilitates proactive healthcare
• Supports prevention and treatment strategies based on inherited epigenetic profiles

Patent Information:

A provisional patent application has been filed.

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