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Published on: September 11, 2018
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The coadaptation theory for genomic imprinting.
Eleanor K O'Brien1, Jason B Wolf1
1Milner Centre for Evolution and Department of Biology & Biochemistry University of Bath Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AY United Kingdom.
Evolution Letters
|October 5, 2018
Summary
Genomic imprinting evolves through a new Coadaptation Theory, explaining how gene expression differences between maternal and paternal copies coordinate interactions among all relatives. This broadens understanding of imprinted gene function across species.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary genetics
- Developmental biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Genomic imprinting involves differential expression of maternal vs. paternal gene copies.
- Existing theories focus on kinship conflict or mother-offspring coadaptation.
- A gap exists in explaining imprinting evolution for broader kin interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a general Coadaptation Theory for genomic imprinting evolution.
- To explain how imprinting coordinates interactions between all types of relatives.
- To provide a framework for understanding imprinting beyond parent-offspring dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Developed a general evolutionary model for imprinting.
- Analyzed fitness based on individual phenotype and social partner interactions.
- Modeled scenarios where relatedness differs via maternal vs. paternal alleles.
Main Results:
- Selection favors expressing alleles through which relatedness is higher when interactant relatedness differs.
- The Coadaptation Theory explains imprinting evolution for diverse kin interactions.
- Predictions apply to genes influencing conspecific interactions and traits.
Conclusions:
- The Coadaptation Theory offers a unified explanation for genomic imprinting evolution.
- This framework can explain imprinting patterns in adult traits across species.
- Provides testable predictions contrasting with existing theories, advancing imprinting research.
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