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Three drosophila epilines are shown. All share the same DNA sequence, but each has a unique eye color caused by transient perturbation of their epigenetic state. This perturbation alters levels of Polycomb-mediated repression of the eye color gene.

Press release

24 Apr 2017

We are more than our DNA : Discovering a new mechanism of epigenetic inheritance

Giacomo Cavalli's team at the Institute of Human Genetics (University of Montpellier / CNRS), in collaboration with INRA, has demonstrated the existence of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI) among Drosophila fruit flies. By temporarily modifying the function of Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins—which play an essential role in development—the researchers obtained fruit fly lines having the same DNA sequence but different eye colors. 

Pasta of different colors and shapes. © INRA, WEBER Jean

Press release

23 Mar 2017

Microbiota and food contaminants: a mycotoxin amplifies the genotoxic effects of intestinal bacteria

Using animal models, INRA researchers and their collaborators1 have been studying the interactions between the bacterial microbiota and a common food contaminant: the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). They found that the presence of DON enhances the genotoxic effects of certain bacteria. More specifically, it increases the damage caused to the DNA of intestinal cells, contributing to the appearance of cancerous cells.

Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax). © Tours University, Eric Darrouzet

Press release

15 Feb 2017

Alien species on the rise worldwide

The increase in numbers of alien species does not show any sign of saturation at a global level, an international team of 45 researchers led by scientists from Senckenberg, Germany, and University of Vienna, Austria, has discovered.

Mouse. © INRA

Press release

23 Jan 2017

New clue towards understanding why prion strain virulence varies depending on which cells are infected

Prion strains are more or less virulent depending on the population of cells they infect. The reason for these different virulence levels remains largely unknown. Researchers at INRA recently took a decisive step closer to explaining these variations. They observed that certain strains were favoured over others depending on the level of PrP protein, which forms the substrate of brain cells in mice.

Nuts and dried fruit. © INRA, MAITRE Christophe

Press release

17 Jan 2017

Microbiota: new insights on what happens to dietary fibre in the human gut

Researchers from INRA working with CNRS1 used metagenomic screening to reveal fibrolytic potential in the ileum section of the small intestine. The results, published in Scientific Reports on 16 January 2017, shed new light on the function of fibre digestion and its impact on human health.