Inherited information is transmitted to progeny primarily by the genome through the gametes. However, in recent years, epigenetic inheritance has been demonstrated in several organisms, including animals. Although it is clear that certain post-translational histone modifications, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs regulate epigenetic inheritance, the molecular mechanisms responsible for epigenetic inheritance are incompletely understood. This review focuses on the role of small RNAs in transmitting epigenetic information across generations in animals. Examples of documented cases of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance are discussed, from the silencing of transgenes to the inheritance of complex traits, such as fertility, stress responses, infections, and behavior. Experimental evidence supporting the idea that small RNAs are epigenetic molecules capable of transmitting traits across generations is highlighted, focusing on the mechanisms by which small RNAs achieve such a function. Just as the role of small RNAs in epigenetic processes is redefining the concept of inheritance, so too our understanding of the molecular pathways and mechanisms that govern epigenetic inheritance in animals is radically changing.

中文翻译：

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表观遗传中的小RNA：从机制到性状传递

遗传信息主要由基因组通过配子传递给后代。然而，近年来，表观遗传已在包括动物在内的几种生物中得到证实。虽然很明显某些翻译后组蛋白修饰、DNA 甲基化和非编码 RNA 调节表观遗传，但负责表观遗传的分子机制尚不完全清楚。这篇综述的重点是小 RNA 在动物中跨代传递表观遗传信息中的作用。讨论了记录在案的跨代表观遗传案例的例子，从转基因的沉默到复杂性状的遗传，如生育力、压力反应、感染和行为。强调了支持小 RNA 是能够跨代传递性状的表观遗传分子这一观点的实验证据，重点是小 RNA 实现这种功能的机制。正如小 RNA 在表观遗传过程中的作用正在重新定义遗传的概念一样，我们对控制动物表观遗传的分子途径和机制的理解也在发生根本性的变化。