获得性遗传和亲子信息传递研究进展

Research progress on inheritance of acquired characteristics and transmission of information from parent to offspring

畜禽优良性状是自然选择和人工选择压力的产物,由基因和环境两方面因素决定。一方面,基因表达的产物参与机体的生理生化过程,决定畜禽的表观性状;另一方面,环境因子可通过不涉及DNA序列变化的表观遗传机制,改变基因或基因网络的表达模式,影响畜禽的表观性状。在某些情况下,“弹性”的表观遗传修饰可转变为“刚性”的基因突变,导致畜禽性状的遗传多样性。越来越多的证据表明,亲代在环境压力下获得的某些性状可通过各种亲子信息传递途径遗传给后代,这种现象称为获得性遗传。获得性遗传与优良种质资源的保护和种质的遗传改良密切相关。因此,本文综述了动物获得性遗传和亲子信息传递及其机制的最新研究进展,以期为“亲子一体化”理念在畜禽健康养殖中的推广和应用提供理论依据。

The excellent traits of farm animals are developed under the pressure of natural and artificial selection,which are determined by both genetic and environmental factors.On the one hand,the products of gene expression participate in the physiological processes of the body,determining the traits of animals;on the other hand,environmental factors can alter the expression patterns of genes or gene networks to modify the traits of animals,via epigenetic approaches without alteration of DNA sequence.In some cases,the“plastic”epigenetic modifications can be transformed into“rigid”genetic mutations,leading to genetic diversity of livestock traits.There is growing evidence that certain traits acquired by parents under environmental pressure can be passed on to future generations through various parent-offspring signal transmission pathways,a phenomenon known as inheritance of acquired characteristics or acquired inheritance.Acquired inheritance is closely related to the conservation of excellent genetic resources of farm animals and efficiency of targeted animal breeding for improved traits.Therefore,this article reviewed the latest research progress of acquired inheritance in animals,the parent-offspring signal transmission pathways and underlying mechanisms,hoping to provide theoretical basis for the concept and application of“breeder-offspring integration”used in the sustainable livestock farming.