Increased DNA mutations in children of teenage fathers

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-02/uoc-sfi021715.php


Public Release: 17-Feb-2015
University of Cambridge

A genetic study of over 24,000 parents and their children has shown that the children of teenage fathers have unexpectedly high levels of DNA mutations.

Mutations, the result of DNA copying errors during cell division, can occur in different cells of the body and at different times during life. Some, such as those that occur in 'germ cells' - which create sperm or eggs - cause changes affecting the individual's offspring.

Previously, it was thought that germ cells in both boys and girls go through a similar number of cell divisions, and should have roughly the same rates of DNA mutation by the time an individual reaches puberty.

Now, a new study shows that the number of cell divisions - and consequently DNA mutation rates - experienced by the germ cells of teenage boys is six times higher than for those of girls, and that DNA mutations passed down to the children of teenage fathers are higher as a result.

Researchers say the increased DNA mutations in the reproductive cells of adolescent boys could explain why the children of teenage fathers have a higher risk for disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and spina bifida.

Men produce germ cells throughout their lives, and it was previously assumed that DNA mutation in germ cells increased as men get older - more cell division and greater DNA mutation has occurred as men age.

However, the latest results show that the germ cells of adolescent boys are an exception to this aging rule.

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