Diet-Induced Modification of the Sperm Epigenome Programs Metabolism and Behavior

Globally, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. The rapidly increasing numbers of overweight people can be traced back to overconsumption of energy-dense, poor-quality foods as well as physical inactivity. This development has far-reaching and costly implications. Not only is obesity associated with serious physiological and psychological complications, but mounting evidence also indicates a ripple effect through generations via epigenetic changes. Parental obesity could induce intergenerational and transgenerational changes in metabolic and brain function of the offspring. Most research has focused on maternal epigenetic and gestational effects; however, paternal contributions are likely to be substantial. We focus on the latest advances in understanding the mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance of obesity-evoked metabolic and neurobiological changes through the paternal germline that predict wide-ranging consequences for the following generation(s). Epigenetic programming is a meaningful nongenetic process for conveying information from one generation to the next. However, paternal epigenetic inheritance has received scant attention.Paternal obesity, as a result of an excessive consumption of calorie dense, poor-quality foods, can predict adverse health consequences for the offspring.Rodent models of obesity have revealed diet-induced alterations in sperm and seminal plasma that represent paternal transmission of epigenetic markers. These may influence the development, behavior, and brain function of the offspring. In particular, sperm small and long noncoding RNAs appear to be prime candidates for mediating dietary effects through the paternal line.Further research will be necessary to define the mechanisms underlying diet-induced alterations in paternal sperm and offspring phenotype.