Scientists studying tiny roundworms have uncovered a surprising way parents can pass on the secrets of a long life—without altering DNA. The research shows that changes in cellular structures called lysosomes, which promote longevity, can be communicated from body cells to reproductive cells. This information is carried by histones, proteins that organize DNA, allowing the “memory” of these changes to be inherited.
The study, led by Meng Wang at HHMI Janelia Research Campus, focused on the roundworm C. elegans. By overexpressing an enzyme in lysosomes, Wang’s team extended worm lifespans by up to 60 percent. Remarkably, even offspring of these long-lived worms—without the genetic modification—also lived longer than normal worms. This effect persisted for up to four generations, suggesting that longevity markers are transmitted across generations.
The researchers discovered that lysosomal changes influence a specific histone variant, which is transported from body tissues to reproductive cells via nutrient-delivering proteins. Once in the germline, the histone undergoes modifications that alter the worm’s epigenome—a set of chemical tags regulating gene expression—allowing the longevity benefits to be inherited without altering the underlying DNA.
These findings have implications beyond lifespan. Epigenetic modifications like these help organisms respond to environmental stressors, including diet changes, pollutants, and psychological stress. The study reveals how such advantages can be passed from parents to offspring.
“This work shows that the soma and germline are connected by histones, carrying memorable cellular information across generations,” Wang says. “It provides a mechanism for understanding transgenerational effects and how traits influenced by environment can be inherited without DNA changes.”
By uncovering this lysosome-histone pathway, the research adds to growing evidence that lysosomes are more than recycling centers—they act as cellular signaling hubs that influence both individual health and inheritance.
