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Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance

Epigenetics is a sexy subject for those who are not doing research on epigenetics. One thing I learned in a recent MOOC course I took on Epigenetics is there is no clear evidence of epigenetic changes passed on to offspring through gametes in humans. Epigenome is completely wiped out and reprogrammed during sensitive periods (primordial germ cell development and pre- and post-implantation periods).
If you do see transgenerational epigenetic “inheritance” you must ask (a) are they transmitted transgenerationally, i.e., via gametes, or (b) brought about by mothering style, placenta alteration, newborn nutrition, etc.
People (particularly, science journalists) are eager to claim true epigenetic inheritance through gametes referring to dutch famine, Overkalix, etc. However, subsequent careful studies did not indicate transgenerational effect of the famine.
It is surprising that it is epigeneticists that caution about making sexy claims in epigenome inheritance. Others seem to liberally make all sorts of inheritance claims not grounded in solid science.

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