Epigenetic inheritance: the influence of variable silencing of the repeat genome. (360G-Wellcome-210757_Z_18_Z)

£2,929,851

Evidence from epidemiological studies and experiments in animal models suggests that effects of environment and lifestyle can be transmitted across generations via non-genetic mechanisms. Such mechanisms are challenging to unravel in mouse and man. In mammals, non-genetic inheritance is best exemplified by the Agouti viable yellow (Avy) mouse where phenotypic differences in genetically identical animals are caused by insertion of a retrotransposon - an endogenous retrovirus (ERV) that provides a cryptic promoter driving ectopic expression of agouti. This ERV is variably DNA methylated in different individuals causing inter-individual variation in coat colour – a non-genetic influence on phenotype. Remarkably, a memory of parental coat colour is transmitted to subsequent generations. Variable expressivity can be modulated by in utero environmental exposures. ERVs represent ~12% of the mouse genome. Inspired by Avy, we propose a research programme, supported by preliminary data, to address the following questions: Aim 1 – To what extent do mammalian ERVs exhibit variable epigenetic silencing and what is the mechanism? Aim 2 – Is this transmitted as non-genetic memory across generations? Aim 3 – Are they sensors of environmental compromise? Aim 4 – Are there implications for phenotype? Aim 5 – Does a related phenomenon occur in humans?

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 2929851
Applicant Surname Ferguson-Smith
Approval Committee Science Interview Panel
Award Date 2018-04-10T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2017/18
Grant Programme: Title Investigator Award in Science
Internal ID 210757/Z/18/Z
Lead Applicant Prof Anne Ferguson-Smith
Partnership Value 2929851
Planned Dates: End Date 2024-12-01T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2018-12-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region East of England