Weismann barrier

The Weismann barrier is the principle that hereditary information moves only from genes to body cells, and never in reverse. In more precise terminology hereditary information moves only from germline cells to somatic cells (that is, soma to germline feedback is impossible). This is often confused with the central dogma of molecular biology which in its modern form states that information travels from DNA → RNA → protein.

The theory is very important as it has implications for human gene therapy. If the Weismann barrier is permeable then genetic treatments of somatic cells may actually result in an inheritable change to the genome, possibly resulting in the genetic engineering of the human species rather than just individuals. It also has implications in our understanding of evolution as it would imply that species aren't nearly as separable genetically as we once thought. Furthermore it would open the door to the existence of certain Lamarckian concepts that previously had no supporting mechanism.

The use of this theory is sometimes referred to as Weismannism.

History

The work of 19th century biologist August Weismann was an early step in the founding of the science of genetics, and like any part of any science is subject to review in light of new data. Although the principle was seriously questioned at times in the 20th century, the research of Paul Kammerer and Trofim Lysenko failed to weaken the principle among the greater scientific community.

Recent criticism

In the late 20th century there have been criticisms of an impermeable Weismann barrier. These criticisms are all centered around the activities of an enzyme called reverse transcriptase.

Evidence has begun to mount for horizontal gene transfer. Different species appear to be swapping genes through the activities of retroviruses. Retro-viruses are able to transfer genes between species because they reproduce by integrating their code into the genome of the host and they often move nearby code in the infected cell as well. Seeing as these viruses use RNA as their genetic information they need to use reverse transcriptase to convert their code into DNA first. If the cell they infect is a germline cell then that integrated DNA can become part of the gene pool of that species.

Other evidence against Weismann's barrier is found in the immune system. A controversial theory of Edward J. Steele's suggests that endogenous retroviruses carry new versions of V genes from soma cells in the immune system to the germ line cells. This theory is expounded in his book Lamarck's signature. Steele observes that the immune system needs to be able to evolve fast to match the evolutionary pressure (as the infective agents evolve very fast). He also observes that there are plenty of endogenous retro-viruses in our genome and it seems likely that they have some purpose.

Even if both of these possible exceptions turn out to be legitimate, the Weismann barrier just loses its absolute status. Without further examples, the penetration of the Weismann barrier is still very much an exception.