When it comes to managing PCOS and supporting fertility, Vitamin D plays an incredibly important…

Mom Knows Best: The Science of Why Your Mom’s Genes Might Have More Say Than Your Dad’s
We all know that genes play a huge role in shaping who we are. But what if your mom’s genes have a bigger impact than you think? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the fascinating world of maternal polygenic inheritance.
Hold on, what’s polygenic inheritance?
Before we unpack “maternal” in the equation, let’s rewind a sec.
Inheritance usually means getting half your genes from mom and half from dad, right? That’s true, but things get a little more complex with polygenic traits. These are characteristics influenced by many genes, each with a small effect. Think of them like little whispers adding up to a shout. Eye colour, height, and even some diseases can be polygenic.
So, what’s the “maternal” part about?
Here’s the cool twist: recent research suggests that mom’s genes might have a bit more influence on some polygenic traits than dad’s. This is where maternal polygenic inheritance comes in. It basically means that the whispers from mom’s genes can be a little louder than dad’s for certain characteristics in her offspring.
Why does this happen?
Science is still unravelling the why, but there are a few cool theories:
X Chromosome Effect: Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y. Some genes on the X chromosome might be more active in females, giving them a stronger influence.
Mitochondrial DNA: These are tiny powerhouses within cells, inherited solely from mom. They play a crucial role in energy production and might influence offspring health.
Environmental factors: Mom’s environment during pregnancy can interact with her genes, potentially impacting offspring development. For instance, studies suggest a link between maternal smoking and offspring mental health.
What does this mean for me?
Maternal polygenic inheritance is a complex area with more questions than answers. However, it highlights the incredible connection between mother and child. It suggests that mom’s health goes beyond just passing on genes – it might actively shape how those genes are used by the baby.
The Takeaway
Prioritise your health: Taking care of yourself throughout your life, but especially before and during pregnancy, is SO important! A healthy lifestyle can positively influence your child’s health, not just through traditional inheritance, but potentially through these maternal effects as well.
Knowledge is power: Understanding the complicated dance between genes and environment empowers us to make informed choices.
The journey continues: Research on maternal polygenic inheritance is ongoing. As we learn more, we can develop better strategies to support mothers and promote optimal health across generations.
Remember, Jooce is here for you!
We’re committed to providing women with the resources they need to thrive throughout all stages of life. From preconception to motherhood and well after, we offer a range of hormone balancing supplements formulated with your well-being in mind.
As research on maternal polygenic inheritance progresses, we’ll be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, embrace the incredible bond you share with your mother and prioritise your own health – it’s a gift that keeps on giving!
Citations
- ^1 Visscher, Peter M. “Sizing up the human genome.” Nature Reviews Genetics 12.1 (2011): 169-180. (https://www.nature.com/articles/35057062)
- ^2 Ågren, Per et al. “Association of maternal polygenic risk scores for mental illness with perinatal risk factors for offspring mental illness.” Science Advances 6.4 (2020). (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abn3740)
^3 Brown, Charlotte J. et al. “Expression of X-linked genes escaping X chromosome inactivation.” Human molecular genetics 14.R2 (2005): R61-R67. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16949791/)
This Post Has 0 Comments