Sintesi intervista The modern synthesis view that random genetic mutations and naturalselection drive evolution has predominated in science for almost acentury. More recently, experimental evidence, made possible byadvanced technological methods, is challenging this view.Instead of a gene-centered theory, new evidence points to epigenetics asplaying a major role as a basis for inheritance. Epigenetics are thosechanges that persist through generations but do not involve changes inDNA sequences.In a comprehensive review of independent lines of evidence challengingthe modern synthesis, Italian scientist Dr. Corrado Spadafora proposes anovel evolutionary model based on emerging new epigenetic data.Specifically he reports on experimental evidence that RNA-basedinformation produced in somatic cells in response to environmentalstress is passed on via extracellular vesicles that deliver it to thebloodstream. The extracellular vesicles transmit this extrachromosomal"cargo" to sperm cells and from there to oocytes with the potential for"phenotypic novelties in the embryo" that can be passed on acrossgenerations.
An increasing body of data are revealing key roles of epigenetics in evolutionary processes. The scope of this manuscript is to assemble in a coherent frame experimental evidence supporting a role of epigenetic factors and networks, active during embryogenesis, in orchestrating variation-inducing phenomena underlying evolution, seen as a global process. This process unfolds over two crucial levels: i) a flow of RNA-based information - predominantly small regulatory RNAs released from somatic cells exposed to environmental stimuli - taken up by spermatozoa and delivered to oocytes at fertilization and ii) the highly permissive and variation-prone environments offered by zygotes and totipotent early embryos. Totipotent embryos provide a variety of biological tools favouring the emergence of evolutionarily significant phenotypic novelties driven by RNA information. Under this light, neither random genomic mutations, nor the sieving role of natural selection are required, as the sperm-delivered RNA cargo conveys specific information and acts as "phenotypic-inducer" of defined environmentally acquired traits.
Italian scientist proposes newmodel of evolution based onepigenetics
2023
Abstract
An increasing body of data are revealing key roles of epigenetics in evolutionary processes. The scope of this manuscript is to assemble in a coherent frame experimental evidence supporting a role of epigenetic factors and networks, active during embryogenesis, in orchestrating variation-inducing phenomena underlying evolution, seen as a global process. This process unfolds over two crucial levels: i) a flow of RNA-based information - predominantly small regulatory RNAs released from somatic cells exposed to environmental stimuli - taken up by spermatozoa and delivered to oocytes at fertilization and ii) the highly permissive and variation-prone environments offered by zygotes and totipotent early embryos. Totipotent embryos provide a variety of biological tools favouring the emergence of evolutionarily significant phenotypic novelties driven by RNA information. Under this light, neither random genomic mutations, nor the sieving role of natural selection are required, as the sperm-delivered RNA cargo conveys specific information and acts as "phenotypic-inducer" of defined environmentally acquired traits.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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Descrizione: Italian scientist proposes newmodel of evolution based onepigenetics Marjorie Hecht
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