Summary
In this episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. ODed Rakhavi, a professor of neurobiology at Tel Aviv University in Israel, about genetic inheritance and the passing on of traits from one generation to the next. They discuss how genes work, the genetic passage of traits, and how experiences can modify our genes and be passed down through generations. The podcast also touches on the controversial topic of passing on knowledge and traits related to experiences.
The podcast discusses the idea of molecular memory and the ability to transfer memories through molecules. The experiments conducted by McConnell in the 70s and 80s showed that RNA was the fraction that transmitted memory. The context also discusses the barriers to epigenetic inheritance, including the separation of the soma from the germ cells and epigenetic reprogramming. The most interesting players today in epigenetic inheritance are RNA molecules.
The context discusses the advantages of studying C. elegans, a type of worm, over other animals in research experiments. The worms are genetically identical and can easily be manipulated for experiments without ethical concerns. The podcast also touches on the controversial topic of animal research and the ethical considerations that come with it.
The context discusses the possibility of epigenetic inheritance in humans and plants. The argument is made that while it may not be necessary to prepare future generations for the same hardships as previous generations, there is still value in preparing for general stressors and viruses. The discussion then turns to the question of whether memories can be inherited and transmitted between generations.
The podcast discusses the potential use of RNA in diagnostics for genetic diseases and IVF. The speaker shares a story about an experiment with C. elegans worms where they observed that cold exposure impacts subsequent generations of the worms. They found that the internal state of the worms affects memory kinetics and identified genes that, when mutated, extend memory. These genes are expressed in only one pair of neurons that are sensitive to lithium, a drug used to treat bipolar disorder. They found that lithium extends memory in the worms and the neuron is tied to the memory extension phenotype. The mechanism behind this is not yet fully understood, but it is an exciting area of research.
