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Inherited epigenetic variation--revisiting soft inheritance.

Eric J Richards1

  • 1Department of Biology, Washington University, 1 Brookings Drive, St Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. richards@biology2.wustl.edu

Nature Reviews. Genetics
|March 15, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Inherited epigenetic variation, influenced by environmental factors, challenges traditional views of evolution. This epigenetic inheritance system, mediated by DNA methylation and chromatin, suggests a more complex interplay between genes, environment, and evolutionary change.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Phenotypic variation is typically attributed to genetic and environmental factors.
  • Inherited epigenetic variation introduces a layer of complexity, blurring the lines between genetic and environmental influences.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and chromatin modifications, play a crucial role in this inheritance system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the implications of inherited epigenetic variation on our understanding of evolutionary processes.
  • To investigate the role of epigenetic inheritance at the interface of genetic control and environmental influences.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing literature on phenotypic variation, genetics, and epigenetics.
  • Analysis of mechanisms mediating epigenetic inheritance, including DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling.

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Main Results:

  • Inherited epigenetic variation represents a semi-independent inheritance system.
  • This system is potentially responsive to environmental inputs, influencing phenotypic outcomes.
  • Epigenetic inheritance challenges the traditional dichotomy of genetic vs. environmental determination of traits.

Conclusions:

  • The existence of inherited epigenetic variation necessitates a re-evaluation of evolutionary theory.
  • A comprehensive understanding of evolution must incorporate the dynamic interplay between genes, epigenetics, and the environment.
  • Epigenetic inheritance may provide novel insights into the mechanisms driving adaptation and evolutionary change.