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Heritable consequences of paternal heroin use: a role for miR-19b in drug-taking behavior

Neuropsychopharmacology volume 50, pages 1023–1024 (2025)Cite this article

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Epigenetics describes how environmental factors influence gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Gene expression can be modified through mechanisms including DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and RNA-mediated processes. Evidence suggests that these changes are transmitted across generations via epigenetic modifications to germ cells [1]. This field, termed transgenerational epigenetics, describes outcomes and mechanisms by which environmental conditions in one generation are transmitted to subsequent generations.

It is challenging to design studies that examine transgenerational epigenetics in humans. However, work examining descendants of people who experience significant stressors provide evidence of epigenetic changes related to stress and trauma that persist across generations [2]. The implication of this research for addiction is significant. Children born to mothers who used addictive drugs during pregnancy show altered epigenetic markers in genes regulating stress and reward pathways. Additionally, there is evidence that children whose parents misuse addictive drugs have increased vulnerability to develop addictive disorders. Indeed, the transgenerational aspect extends beyond prenatal exposure. Even paternal drug misuse prior to conception can potentially affect offspring vulnerability to addiction through epigenetic changes in sperm.

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References

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Funding

This work was supported by NIH grants R21DA059688.

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  1. Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Grafton, MA, USA

    Fair M. Vassoler

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  1. Fair M. Vassoler
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Correspondence to Fair M. Vassoler.

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Vassoler, F.M. Heritable consequences of paternal heroin use: a role for miR-19b in drug-taking behavior. Neuropsychopharmacol. 50, 1023–1024 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-025-02100-8

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