# Mechanisms driving multigenerational transmission of paternal stress in a new model

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · 2020 · $5,776

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Numerous studies in recent years have demonstrated that paternal experiences (e.g.
smoking, nutrition, stress) prior to having children can influence the health, development, and
behavior of the following generations. Existing studies exploring prefertilization paternal effects
have been conducted in mammalian model systems, where it is difficult to isolate direct paternal
influences on offspring from postfertilization maternal-offspring interactions. This project
develops a new model for understanding the effects of stressors across generations:
threespined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Because sticklebacks have external
fertilization, maternal influences can be teased apart from paternal influences.
 The applicant (Jennifer Hellmann) and her mentor (Dr. Alison Bell) will assess the influence
of prefertilization paternal stress on embryonic development (Aim 1). They will also evaluate if
the effects of paternal stress are transmitted across multiple generations by assessing if
grandpaternal experiences can influence grandoffspring behavior and development (Aim 2).
Finally, they will use embryonic manipulations to determine if sperm RNA is a mechanism
underlying the epigenetic inheritance of paternal experiences (Aim 3). The project has relevance
for human health because paternal stress in humans has multigenerational consequences, but
there is a lack of understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms by which epigenetic
modifications can be transmitted from one generation to the next. Further, predation risk in non-
human animals is an ecologically relevant stressor that mirrors situations precipitating trauma
(e.g. PTSD) in humans.
 This proposal will provide excellent training opportunities for the applicant (Jennifer
Hellmann), whose long-term research interests center around understanding factors that
promote individual variation in behavior and phenotype, including understanding the molecular
mechanisms regulating phenotypic differences among individuals. The skills gained during her
PhD work (behavioral, genetic, physiological) will provide a base from which to expand her
research questions and Dr. Alison’s Bell laboratory group will provide an excellent avenue to
gain the genomic research skills needed to address her long-term research interests. Further,
this fellowship will provide mentoring opportunities, publications, and training that will better
prepare the applicant for attaining a tenure-track faculty position at a research institution.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10200432
- **Project number:** 3F32GM121033-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer K Hellmann
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $5,776
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2017-08-01 → 2020-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10200432

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10200432, Mechanisms driving multigenerational transmission of paternal stress in a new model (3F32GM121033-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10200432. Licensed CC0.

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