Controlling Genetic Inheritance: Insights from a New RNA Study

Close-up of an illuminated DNA double helix against a dark background, with glowing points and scattered light particles creating a scientific mood. — Researchers discovered new pathways for dsRNA entry into cells, revealing how RNA influences gene regulation across generations—insights that could enhance RNA-based medicines.

Recently, RNA-based medicines have emerged as one of the most promising approaches for treating human diseases. The success of RNA vaccines, such as those used against COVID-19, and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) therapies highlights their potential in modern medicine. Scientists have already developed drugs that use dsRNA to safely silence disease-causing genes. However, one major challenge remains: how to efficiently deliver these RNA molecules into cells and ensure their stability and effectiveness over time.

A groundbreaking study published on February 4, 2025, in eLife by researchers from the University of Maryland (UMD) has the potential to revolutionize RNA-based drug development. By studying microscopic roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans), the researchers uncovered novel pathways for dsRNA uptake that may significantly improve drug delivery mechanisms in humans.

Even more astonishing, their findings suggest that dsRNA can influence gene expression across multiple generations, reshaping our understanding of inheritance.

How RNA Travels Between Generations

The study, led by Antony Jose, an associate professor of cell biology and molecular genetics at UMD, challenges long-standing assumptions about RNA transport. Previously, scientists believed that genetic information was primarily transferred from one generation to the next through DNA and its expression in offspring. However, Jose’s research demonstrates that RNA molecules can carry specific instructions between cells and even pass them down for more than 100 generations.

This discovery suggests that RNA plays a more active role in inheritance than previously understood. While scientists have known for some time that RNA interference (RNAi) can silence genes in specific cells, this study presents evidence that dsRNA can cross cell membranes and persist through multiple generations.

This insight could have profound implications for gene regulation and the development of long-lasting RNA-based treatments.

The Role of SID-1 in RNA Transport and Inheritance

A key player in this process is SID-1, a protein that helps transfer dsRNA between cells. This protein, found in roundworms and similar across different species—including humans—acts as a gatekeeper for RNA movement within an organism.

One of the most surprising findings from the study was that removing the SID-1 protein enhanced the transmission of gene expression changes across generations. When SID-1 was absent, worms passed down gene expression modifications with greater efficiency. Even after the SID-1 protein was restored, these changes persisted for over 100 generations.

This suggests that RNA transport is not solely dependent on SID-1—other mechanisms must also be involved. If scientists can uncover these alternative pathways, they may be able to manipulate them to enhance or suppress specific gene expressions, opening the door to revolutionary gene therapy approaches.

Microscopic view of a worm with bright spots on dark background. Colorful structures in teal, purple, and yellow are highlighted. — Multiple forms of double-stranded RNA (blue, magenta, orange structures) cross cell membranes with the help of a conserved protein located in novel sites (coloured by depth) throughout the roundworm’s body. Credit: Antony Jose, University of Maryland Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics

Implications for Human Medicine

The presence of SID-1-like proteins in humans suggests that similar RNA transport mechanisms may exist in our cells. This discovery raises exciting possibilities for improving targeted RNA-based treatments for genetic disorders, viral infections, and even cancer.

For example, if researchers can better understand how SID-1 and similar proteins control RNA movement, they could develop highly targeted RNA therapies that precisely silence harmful genes while preserving beneficial ones. This could lead to long-lasting treatments for hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, and Huntington’s disease.

Additionally, if scientists find ways to manipulate the natural transport of dsRNA, they could potentially control the inheritance of disease-related genes—a concept that was once considered science fiction. In the future, genetic conditions might be treated not only in a single patient but also in future generations, eliminating certain inherited diseases.

Jumping Genes and Genetic Stability

Another intriguing discovery from the study was related to "jumping genes", or transposable elements—segments of DNA that can move or copy themselves to different locations within the genome. While these genes can introduce new genetic variations that may be beneficial, they can also disrupt essential sequences, leading to genetic disorders or diseases such as cancer.

The research team identified a gene called sdg-1, which plays a crucial role in regulating jumping genes. The remarkable aspect of sdg-1 is that it resides within a jumping gene yet produces proteins that help control the mobility of transposable elements. This self-regulating feedback loop helps maintain genetic stability across generations.

A Delicate Genetic Balancing Act

According to Professor Jose, this system operates much like a thermostat in a house, ensuring that genetic changes remain balanced—allowing enough movement to create genetic diversity while preventing excessive disruptions that could harm the organism.

This delicate balance is essential for maintaining healthy gene expression patterns across generations. If scientists can further understand how sdg-1 and similar genes function in humans, they could develop new strategies to prevent genetic instability-related diseases, such as certain types of cancers and neurological disorders.

The Future of RNA-Based Medicines

The findings from this study mark the beginning of a new frontier in RNA research. The potential to manipulate RNA transport and inheritance could pave the way for more effective treatments for a range of diseases, including:

Neurodegenerative disorders: Conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may benefit from targeted RNA therapies that silence harmful gene expressions.
Cancer treatments: RNA-based therapies could provide personalized medicine approaches that silence cancer-causing genes while preserving healthy cells.
Infectious diseases: RNA treatments have already shown promise with mRNA vaccines—further discoveries could lead to improved antiviral therapies.
Genetic disorders: The ability to modify inherited gene expressions could provide long-term solutions for heritable conditions.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore how different types of dsRNA are transported, where SID-1 is localized within cells, and why some genes are heritable across generations while others are not.

Final Thoughts

The ability to control genetic inheritance through RNA was once the realm of science fiction. Today, thanks to groundbreaking studies like this one from the University of Maryland, it is moving closer to reality.

By understanding how RNA molecules are transported, how they regulate gene expression over multiple generations, and how proteins like SID-1 and sdg-1 function, scientists are unlocking new possibilities for RNA-based medicine.

If these discoveries can be applied to human medicine, we may soon see treatments that not only cure genetic diseases in individuals but also prevent them from being passed on to future generations. The future of medicine is being shaped by RNA research, and we are only beginning to scratch the surface of its incredible potential.

What are your thoughts on RNA-based medicine and the potential for controlling genetic inheritance? Let us know in the comments below!