Avian ecological epigenetics: pitfalls and promises

Epigenetic mechanisms can alter gene expression without a change in the nucleotide sequence and are increasingly recognized as important mechanisms that can generate phenotypic diversity. Most of our current knowledge regarding the origin and role of epigenetic variation comes from research on plant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of ornithology 2019-10, Vol.160 (4), p.1183-1203
Main Authors: Sepers, Bernice, van den Heuvel, Krista, Lindner, Melanie, Viitaniemi, Heidi, Husby, Arild, van Oers, Kees
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
19–26 August 2018
27th International Ornithological Congress
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Birds
Canada
DNA methylation
Ecology
Epigenetics
Evolution
Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management
Gene expression
Genetics
Life Sciences
Nucleotide sequence
Ornithology
Phenotypic plasticity
Phenotypic variations
Review
Vancouver
Zoology
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Summary:Epigenetic mechanisms can alter gene expression without a change in the nucleotide sequence and are increasingly recognized as important mechanisms that can generate phenotypic diversity. Most of our current knowledge regarding the origin and role of epigenetic variation comes from research on plants or mammals, often in controlled rearing conditions. Epigenetic research on birds in their natural habitats is still in its infancy, but is needed to answer questions regarding the origin of epigenetic marks and their role in phenotypic variation and evolution. Here we review the potential for studying epigenetic variation in natural bird systems. We aim to provide insights into (1) the origin of epigenetic variation, (2) the relationship between epigenetic variation and trait variation, and (3) the possible role of epigenetic variation in adaptation to changing environments. As there is currently little research on epigenetics in wild birds, we examine how findings on other taxa such as plants and mammals relate to birds. We also examine some of the pros and cons of the most commonly used methods to study patterns of DNA methylation in birds, and suggest some topics we believe need to be addressed to develop the field of wild avian epigenetics further.
ISSN:2193-7192
2193-7206
2193-7206
DOI:10.1007/s10336-019-01684-5