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Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...

Position-effect Variegation

Position-effect Variegation

In 1928, a German botanist Emil Heitz observed the moss nuclei with a DNA binding dye. He observed that while some chromatin regions decondense and spread out in the interphase nucleus, others do not. He termed them euchromatin and heterochromatin, respectively. He proposed that the heterochromatin regions reflect a functionally inactive state of the genome. It was later confirmed that heterochromatin is transcriptionally repressed, and euchromatin is transcriptionally active chromatin.

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...

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Author Spotlight: RNAi Inheritance and ChIP in C. elegans

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Epigenetic potential affects immune gene expression in house sparrows.

Haley E Hanson¹, Cedric Zimmer², Bilal Koussayer²

¹University of South Florida, Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, Tampa, FL 33612, USA haleyehanson@gmail.com lbmartin@usf.edu.

The Journal of Experimental Biology

|March 29, 2021

Summary

Epigenetic potential (EP) influences house sparrow gene expression, particularly Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4). Higher EP correlates with increased TLR4 expression, especially in females, impacting immune response adaptability.

Keywords:

CpG sites Immune response LPS Phenotypic plasticity Toll-like receptors

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Genetics
Immunology

Background:

Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for phenotypic plasticity during species range expansions.
Epigenetic potential (EP) may influence an individual's capacity to adapt to new environments.
House sparrows (Passer domesticus) exhibit variations in EP, linked to the Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) gene promoter.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between EP and TLR4 gene expression in house sparrows across different tissues.
To determine if EP predicts the inducibility and reversibility of TLR4 expression, particularly after immune challenge.
To explore sex-specific differences in the EP-TLR4 expression relationship.

Main Methods:

Compared TLR4 gene expression in blood, liver, and spleen of house sparrows with varying EP.
Administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate infection and assess gene expression changes.
Analyzed gene expression data in relation to EP, sex, tissue type, and LPS treatment.

Main Results:

EP significantly predicted TLR4 expression across all tested tissues.
Individuals with higher EP showed greater TLR4 expression in blood, irrespective of LPS treatment.
Reversibility of TLR4 expression was observed only in females with high EP.
The influence of EP on TLR4 expression varied between sexes and tissues.

Conclusions:

Epigenetic potential is a key regulator of TLR4 expression in house sparrows.
EP influences immune surveillance gene expression, potentially aiding adaptation to novel environments.
Sex and tissue-specific effects highlight the complexity of epigenetic regulation in phenotypic plasticity.