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Comparative epigenetics in animal physiology: An emerging frontier
Laia Navarro-Martín1, Christopher J Martyniuk2, Jan A Mennigen3
1Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya 08034, Spain.
Summary
Comparative epigenetics explores how DNA and RNA modifications influence animal traits across generations. This review highlights evolutionary insights and new technologies for understanding epigenetic regulation in diverse species.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Annotated animal genomes enable studying epigenetic mechanisms.
- Epigenetic phenomena regulate gene expression for physiological phenotypes.
- Comparative epigenetics investigates diverse animal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review molecular epigenetic mechanisms in animals.
- Highlight comparative epigenetic roles in phenotype emergence.
- Discuss technological advances and animal models.
Main Methods:
- Focus on DNA-level and transcriptome-level epigenetic mark dynamics.
- Review single-cell epigenomics and transcriptomics.
- Examine genome and transcript-editing tools.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic pathways show evolutionary conservation and innovation.
- Environmental and endogenous factors influence epigenetic marks.
- Specific epigenetic marks contribute to animal phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Comparative epigenetics advances understanding of animal physiological responses.
- New technologies facilitate integrative and functional epigenetic studies.
- Emerging animal models offer translational applications in various fields.
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