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Sparrows and supergenes: Ecological epigenetics in action.

Jordan A Anderson1, Jenny Tung1,2,3,4

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Epigenetic variation in white-throated sparrows is linked to evolutionary change. DNA methylation differences in a supergene impact gene expression and evolution, showing genetic and epigenetic factors work together.

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DNA methylationchromosome evolutionecological epigeneticswhite-throated sparrows

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Area of Science:

  • Ecological epigenetics
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Animal behaviour genetics

Background:

  • Few studies link epigenetic variation in wild populations to evolutionary change.
  • White-throated sparrows exhibit a supergene polymorphism associated with distinct traits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of epigenetic variation in the white-throated sparrow supergene.
  • To understand how genetic and epigenetic factors interact during evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Whole genome bisulphite sequencing
  • RNA-sequencing
  • Chromatin accessibility assays

Main Results:

  • Significant DNA methylation differences were found between alleles of the chromosomal rearrangement.
  • These methylation differences correlate with altered gene expression and transposable element activity.
  • The study provides a clear example of epigenetic variation driving evolutionary change.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic and epigenetic evolution can proceed in concert.
  • Integrating diverse genomic data is crucial for understanding the evolution of gene regulation.
  • This study offers a model for investigating gene regulation evolution in nonmodel organisms.