Maternal Inheritance

Autism spectrum disorder in a child may be linked to mother’s job

Cells that are not our own may unlock secrets about our health

Researchers are studying microchimeric cells that can play complex roles in a person's body, including healing wounds and regulating the immune system. However, more research is needed to understand their role in health outcomes, particularly pregnancy complications and autoimmune diseases.

Eating disorders in mums-to-be linked to heightened risk of asthma and wheezing in their kids

Research found a heightened risk of preschool wheeze and school age asthma associated with maternal eating disorders. The study suggests including dedicated support for these disorders in maternal healthcare to improve respiratory health.

University of Hawaiʻi researchers discover link between maternal obesity and autism-like behaviors in offspring

Researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy can program long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories in children through epigenetic alterations. This led to autistic-like behaviors in male mice, correlating with altered gene regulation in the cortex and hippocampus.

Mothers’ genes may shape children’s weight - even without being passed down

A new study found that mothers' genetics may have a greater impact on their children's weight than previously thought. Researchers analyzed genetic and health data from over 2,600 UK families to examine the association between parental BMI and child birthweight, BMI, and diet.

Kids of obese parents more likely to develop obesity due to inheriting related genes

A new study found that kids of obese parents are more likely to have obesity due to inheriting related genes. The study suggests that a mother's BMI may be particularly important in determining a child's weight, both through direct genetic inheritance and indirect nurture effects.

BGI Genomics launch first localized NIPT project in Armenia with prom-test laboratories

The first localized Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) project in Armenia has been launched by BGI Genomics with Prom-Test Laboratories. The NIFTY test offers screening for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, and sex chromosome anomalies with over 99% accuracy.

Study: NIPT identifies twice as many down syndrome cases as STSS

A novel study analyzing the cost-effectiveness of different Down syndrome screening strategies confirms that non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) significantly outperforms second-trimester serum screening (STSS). NIPT identifies twice as many DS cases as STSS, offering a more reliable option with lower incremental costs.

Could brain aging be mom’s fault? The X chromosome factor

UCSF researchers found that when brain cells of female mice express only a maternal X chromosome, their memory and cognitive skills deteriorate faster. This study could explain the variation in brain aging between the sexes and individual women.

Maternal inheritance of Alzheimer’s disease tied to increased risk of developing disease

A recent study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that adults with a family history of Alzheimer's disease on their mother's side had higher amyloid levels in their brains. This suggests that maternal inheritance may play a role in identifying individuals at heightened risk for developing the disease.

Maternal autistic traits and adverse birth outcomes

A study of 87,000 women found a higher level of maternal autistic traits associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including very preterm birth. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored and timely antenatal care support for women with high levels of autistic traits.

Male germ cells are mainly responsible for gene changes

Research by Professor Björn Schumacher investigates the role of male germ cells in genetic mutations. The study suggests that paternal DNA damage can lead to faulty repairs in the genome, resulting in structural variants.

Hyenas inherit power from mothers, but it’s a privilege they pay dearly for

A study found that every member of a hyena clan, except the highest-ranking queen, suffers downward mobility across their lifetime due to demographic processes. Hyenas can move up and down in the hierarchy over time, but they slide down more often than jumping up.

Texas A&M researchers detail groundbreaking Angelman syndrome development

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed the first molecular therapeutic for Angelman syndrome, a devastating neurogenetic disorder. The therapy targets an evolutionarily conserved region in the UBE3A-AS transcript and has shown promising results in clinical trials.

Infant pertussis incidence trends before, after implementation of maternal Tdap vaccine

A study of 57,460 US cases found a sustained decrease in infant pertussis incidence following Tdap vaccine introduction. Maternal vaccination is associated with reduced disease burden among young infants.

Alliances and rank reversal in hyena clans

Female spotted hyenas can increase their dominance rank by forming alliances with other females, ultimately improving their lifetime reproductive success. The offspring of these individuals inherit their mother's acquired rank, leading to a decline in individual rank within clans over time.

High LDL-C levels in women prior to childbirth linked with high levels in adult offspring

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that elevated maternal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels before pregnancy are associated with higher LDL-C levels in adult offspring. Adults exposed to such levels have a 3.8 times higher risk of having high LDL-C levels and an adjusted level of 18 mg/dl higher.

Rare mutation causes vitamin A deficiency and eye deformities

Researchers discovered a genetic basis for congenital eye malformations, caused by mutations in the RBP4 protein that transports vitamin A. The mutated proteins fail to transport retinol and block cell surface receptors, leading to severe retinol deficiency and birth defects.

Semen secrets: How a previous sexual partner can influence another male's offspring

Researchers at UNSW Australia found that the size of young flies is determined by the first male mated with, not the second. The team proposes that molecules from seminal fluid are absorbed by eggs and influence growth.

Father's diet before conception affects offspring's body fat in mice

A new study in mice found that fathers' diets before conception impact their offspring's body weight and fat content. Male offspring of paternal mice with diet-induced obesity had higher body weight and increased body fat compared to control mice.

$500,000 Gruber Foundation Genetics Prize goes to Philadelphia scientist

Wallace's pioneering work helped understand the role of mitochondria in disease and human evolution, leading to discoveries like Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and links between mtDNA mutations and age-related diseases. He is the first laureate to receive the award at Yale University.

Important new hair-loss gene discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified a novel hair-loss gene variant associated with male baldness. The research found that this gene, located on chromosome 20, is inherited from both parents and may account for the similarity in cranial hair growth between father and son.

Study looks at mitochondrial variation in sperm traits and sperm competitive ability

Researchers investigate natural mitochondrial DNA variation's effect on human male fertility and sperm competitiveness. They found mitochondrial mutations to be a primary cause of low sperm count and poor mobility.