AMAV VICDOC Winter 2024 - Magazine - Page 7
IN R E V I E W: RE A D | L I ST E N | WATC H | R ES EA RC H
BACTERIAL INFECTION
MAY IMPACT BRAIN
AND MENTAL
HEALTH OF FUTURE
GENERATIONS
-
researchers discovered that
F lorey
paternal infection, which alters RNA
molecules in sperm, can lead to
changes in offspring brain development
— including behavioural changes relevant
to anxiety and depression.
Exposure to stress and substance
abuse are known to influence the health
and quality of sperm epigenetics.
Now, a study published in Brain
Behavior and Immunity, led by Professor
Anthony Hannan, and conducted by Dr
Huan Liao with The Florey’s Epigenetics
and Neural Plasticity Group, investigates
how bacterial infections too can affect
sperm genetics and impact the health
of future offspring. Through mimicking
bacterial infection in a preclinical mouse
model, the team found that the infection
led to significant changes in RNA
molecules in sperm.
The effects of these changes included
behavioural changes similar to anxiety
and depressive-like behaviours, and were
seen not only in direct offspring, but also
grand-offspring.
Professor Anthony Hannan and the
team had previously modelled viral
infection and its effect on sperm
epigenetics and offspring brain
function. However, the study’s results
differed when it came to paternal
bacterial infection.
Dr Huan Liao, Research Officer at
The Florey, said this recent study
illuminates the profound impact of
paternal exposures on offspring
across multiple generations.
“These discoveries underscore the
intricate links between environmental
exposures and heritable changes, paving
the way for new insights into epigenetic
inheritance and its long-term effects on
health and disease.”
Different types of infection, and
the immune system’s response
to these infections, can influence
genetics delivered through sperm in
different ways, thus its effect on the
development of future generations
also may vary.
Professor Hannan said this
understanding of the impact of
infection on epigenetics, and the role
of epigenetics in brain function and
immunity, is critical at a time when
infectious diseases are on the rise.
“With pandemics of infectious diseases
predicted to become more frequent,
this research has major implications
for human health, including that of
future generations.”
Email Kathryn Powley
for more information.
VI CD O C AUTU M N 2024
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