Heritable traits have long revolved around genomic DNA, yet emerging research redefines our understanding of inheritance. In our laboratory, we embark on a captivating journey into the world of small RNAs and their role in epigenetic inheritance, employing the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. During my talk, I will unveil the profound influence of small RNAs in trait inheritance. I will present a compelling case study demonstrating how small RNAs gradually reduce fertility across successive generations of worms, shedding light on the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning their intergenerational transmission. Furthermore, I will share recent results on the fascinating phenomenon of small RNAs migrating from the soma to the germline, enabling the inheritance of environmentally acquired information.
