Parent-of-origin effects in the life-course evolution of cardiometabolic traits – published online 02/04/2025

Rucha Wagh, Gad Hatem, Jonas Andersson, Pooja Kunte, Souvik Bandyopadhyay, Chittaranjan S. Yajnik & Rashmi B. Prasad

Some cardiometabolic traits display parent-of-origin effects, and understanding the mechanisms underlying these patterns could help shape early-life interventions to prevent conditions like obesity and diabetes. In this issue, Wagh et al (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-025-06396-5) present evidence that traits related to metabolism, obesity and insulin regulation are inherited differently from mothers and fathers, with their effects transitioning over time. By tracking individuals from birth to 24 years, the authors found that mothers have a stronger influence on birthweight, glucose levels and lipid metabolism, while fathers play a key role in insulin regulation. Notably, maternal effects on metabolic health become more pronounced during puberty and adulthood, whereas paternal effects on insulin function strengthen over time. These findings suggest that parental influences on health are dynamic and evolve across life stages. The authors conclude that this study highlights the complex interplay of genetics, epigenetics and parental inheritance, and offers new insights into how metabolic health is shaped during the lifetime of an individual.

All News