Research on Syrian refugees suggests that exposure to extreme violence can cause epigenetic changes, specifically alterations to gene expression rather than the genes themselves, that can be passed down for at least two generations. The study found grandsons of men exposed to severe violence in the Syrian conflict showed altered stress hormone regulation, even though these grandsons never experienced the violence firsthand. This suggests trauma can have lasting biological consequences across generations through epigenetic inheritance.
This study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism in gene expression involving tRNA introns. Researchers demonstrate that spliced and released tRNA introns, specifically from tRNA-Leu(CAA), can base-pair with complementary sequences in the 5' untranslated regions (5'UTRs) of mRNAs. This interaction hinders the binding of the small ribosomal subunit (40S) to the mRNA, thereby repressing translation. This repression is specific and dependent on the complementarity between the intron and the 5'UTR, with mutations disrupting base-pairing abolishing the inhibitory effect. These findings highlight a previously unknown function for tRNA introns as sequence-specific post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression.
HN users discuss the potential impact of the research, with some expressing excitement about the discovery of tRNA fragments regulating gene expression and its implications for synthetic biology and disease treatment. Others raise questions about the generalizability of the findings, noting the study's focus on specific yeast tRNA and mRNA pairings and wondering how widespread this regulatory mechanism is across different organisms and conditions. Some commenters also point out the complexity of cellular processes, highlighting the existing knowledge of tRNA involvement in various functions and emphasizing that this new regulatory mechanism adds another layer to this complexity. A few users delve into technical aspects, such as the methodology used in the research and its potential limitations.
Summary of Comments ( 205 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43206722
HN commenters were skeptical of the study's methodology and conclusions. Several questioned the small sample size and the lack of control for other factors that might influence gene expression. They also expressed concerns about the broad interpretation of "violence" and the potential for oversimplification of complex social and biological interactions. Some commenters pointed to the difficulty of isolating the effects of trauma from other environmental and genetic influences, while others questioned the study's potential for misinterpretation and misuse in justifying discriminatory policies. A few suggested further research with larger and more diverse populations would be needed to validate the findings. Several commenters also discussed the ethics and implications of studying epigenetics in conflict zones.
The Hacker News post titled "Violence alters human genes for generations, researchers discover," linking to a University of Florida news article about a study on the epigenetic effects of violence in Syria, has generated several comments. Many commenters express skepticism and raise methodological concerns about the study.
One recurring theme is the difficulty of isolating the effects of violence from other factors like poverty, malnutrition, and displacement, which often accompany conflict. Commenters argue that these confounding variables could also have significant epigenetic impacts, making it hard to attribute the observed changes solely to violence. Some suggest that the study should have included a control group experiencing similar hardships but not direct violence to better isolate the variable of interest.
Another point of contention is the small sample size of the study. Several commenters point out that with a limited number of participants, the results might not be generalizable to the broader Syrian population or other populations affected by conflict. They call for larger-scale studies to validate the findings.
Several commenters also critique the framing of the research and the news article. They argue that using terms like "altered genes" can be misleading to the public, as epigenetics involves changes in gene expression rather than alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. They worry that such phrasing could perpetuate misconceptions about the nature of inheritance and the immutability of genes.
Some commenters question the causal link implied by the study. They point out that while the study shows a correlation between exposure to violence and epigenetic changes, it doesn't definitively prove that violence causes these changes. They suggest that the relationship could be more complex and involve other mediating factors.
A few commenters raise concerns about the potential ethical implications of the research. They worry that linking violence to heritable epigenetic changes could lead to stigmatization or discrimination against certain groups.
In addition to these critiques, some commenters express interest in further research on the topic. They suggest exploring the potential reversibility of these epigenetic changes and the long-term health consequences for future generations. Some also call for more research into the epigenetic effects of other types of trauma and adversity. Despite the expressed interest, the dominant tone of the comments is one of cautious skepticism about the study's conclusions and methodology.