Title | Piwi/PRG-1 Argonaute and TGF-β Mediate Transgenerational Learned Pathogenic Avoidance. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Moore, RS, Kaletsky, R, Murphy, CT |
Journal | Cell |
Volume | 177 |
Issue | 7 |
Pagination | 1827-1841.e12 |
Date Published | 2019 06 13 |
ISSN | 1097-4172 |
Keywords | Animals, Argonaute Proteins, Avoidance Learning, Behavior, Animal, Caenorhabditis elegans, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins, Epigenesis, Genetic, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Transforming Growth Factor beta |
Abstract | <p>The ability to inherit learned information from parents could be evolutionarily beneficial, enabling progeny to better survive dangerous conditions. We discovered that, after C. elegans have learned to avoid the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14), they pass this learned behavior on to their progeny, through either the male or female germline, persisting through the fourth generation. Expression of the TGF-β ligand DAF-7 in the ASI sensory neurons correlates with and is required for this transgenerational avoidance behavior. Additionally, the Piwi Argonaute homolog PRG-1 and its downstream molecular components are required for transgenerational inheritance of both avoidance behavior and ASI daf-7 expression. Animals whose parents have learned to avoid PA14 display a PA14 avoidance-based survival advantage that is also prg-1 dependent, suggesting an adaptive response. Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of pathogenic learning may optimize progeny decisions to increase survival in fluctuating environmental conditions.</p> |
DOI | 10.1016/j.cell.2019.05.024 |
Alternate Journal | Cell |
PubMed ID | 31178117 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC7518193 |
Grant List | DP1 GM119167 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States DP2 OD004402 / OD / NIH HHS / United States T32 GM007388 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States AWD1005048 / HHMI / Howard Hughes Medical Institute / United States |