COVID-19 Infection in fathers Linked to Increased Anxiety in Offspring, Mouse Study Finds
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – A new study from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health reveals that COVID-19 infection in male mice can lead to increased anxiety-like behaviors in their offspring, potentially through epigenetic changes carried in sperm. Published in Nature Communications on February 20, 2025, the research suggests the virus doesn’t alter DNA itself, but leaves molecular “scars” – specifically, noncoding RNA molecules (sncRNAs) – that influence gene expression in subsequent generations.
The study found significant changes in gene activity within the hippocampus region of female offspring, an area of the brain crucial for regulating anxiety, depression, and other affective behaviors. Researchers observed these changes even without direct viral exposure to the offspring, indicating a potential mechanism of epigenetic inheritance.
“These kinds of changes in the hippocampus, as well as other brain regions, may contribute to the increased anxiety we observed in offspring, via epigenetic inheritance and altered brain advancement,” explained Carolina Gubert, PhD, corresponding author and Florey research fellow.
The research team infected male mice with a high dose of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and then assessed the behavior of their offspring. The sncRNAs found in the sperm acted like molecular switches, influencing which genes were turned on or off during early development. While the study was conducted in mice, and their immune systems differ from humans, the findings raise concerns about the potential for long-term, heritable effects of COVID-19 infection in men.
“While more research is needed, especially in the sperm and offspring of humans infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, these findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic could have long-lasting effects on future generations,” stated researcher Hannan.”our discoveries highlight the importance of understanding the impacts of this virus and infectious disease, not only on those directly infected, but also on their children who may be affected by their parents’ experience with COVID-19.”
Currently, there is no evidence of similar effects in human children, but the study underscores the need for further investigation into whether severe infections can leave molecular traces in sperm that impact future generations. Researchers caution that the mice were infected with high viral doses, a factor that may not translate directly to human experiences. However, if the findings are replicated in humans, the implications for public health could be substantial, potentially impacting millions of children worldwide.
