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A model for genomic imprinting in the social brain: elders
Francisco Úbeda1, Andy Gardner
1School of Biological Sciences, University of London, Royal Holloway, Egham TW20 0EX, United Kingdom. F.Ubeda@rhul.ac.uk
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|April 24, 2012
Summary
Genomic imprinting involves gene silencing based on parental inheritance. Intragenomic conflict over parental care diminishes with age, resolving internal conflicts in later life.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Genomic imprinting silences genes based on parental origin (sperm or egg).
- The kinship theory explains imprinting as a result of parent-offspring genetic conflict.
- This theory has been extended from nuclear families to broader social interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model genomic imprinting in the social brain within overlapping generations.
- To investigate how intragenomic conflict evolves in older individuals.
- To assess the influence of demographic factors on conflict over parental versus communal care.
Main Methods:
- Developed a mathematical model of genomic imprinting.
- Incorporated age-specific gene expression levels.
- Analyzed the effects of sex-biased dispersal, reproductive success, and adult mortality.
Main Results:
- Sex-specific demographic asymmetries drive intragenomic conflict in early life.
- Intragenomic conflict intensity decreases with advancing age.
- Individuals experience reduced internal conflict in older age.
Conclusions:
- Demographic factors mediate the evolution of genomic imprinting and intragenomic conflict.
- The intensity and direction of conflict are age-dependent.
- Intragenomic conflict related to social behavior resolution occurs later in life.
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