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Epigenetic inheritance in adaptive evolution.

Gonzalo Sabarís1,2, Maximilian H Fitz-James1,2, Giacomo Cavalli1,2

  • 1Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|March 31, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epigenetic inheritance, the transmission of gene activity states without DNA changes, aids rapid adaptation to environmental stress. This non-genetic information offers a survival advantage while preserving evolutionary flexibility.

Keywords:
Waddingtonadaptationassimilationenvironmental changeepigenetic inheritancegenetic

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Modern evolutionary synthesis focuses on DNA and heredity.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms can alter gene activity without changing DNA sequence.
  • Evidence suggests epigenetic changes can be inherited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Discuss evidence for long-term epigenetic inheritance.
  • Explore the role of epigenetic inheritance in adaptation.
  • Re-evaluate the role of non-genetic information in evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent compelling evidence on epigenetic inheritance.
  • Analysis of phenotypic changes due to environmental stress.
  • Discussion of evolutionary implications.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic signals from environmental stress can persist long-term.
  • These signals contribute to heritable phenotypic changes.
  • Epigenetic inheritance facilitates rapid adaptation and bet-hedging.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic inheritance plays a crucial role in adapting to fluctuating environments.
  • It ensures short-term survival under stress and maintains long-term flexibility.
  • Non-genetic information warrants reevaluation in evolutionary biology.