Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
04:52
Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
Multi-locus models of deleterious epimutation-selection balance and the evolution of recombination modifiers
Gregory Chernomas1, Cortland K Griswold1
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
G3 (Bethesda, Md.)
|June 11, 2026
Summary
This study explores the balance between deleterious epimutation and transposition. Results suggest reduced recombination evolves, but increased recombination is possible under certain conditions, impacting evolutionary dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Epigenetic inheritance contributes to phenotypic variation.
- Epialleles near transposons can be deleterious, similar to genetic mutations.
- Transposon activity and epigenetic modifications present a 'double-edged sword' effect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically investigate the balance between deleterious epimutation and transposition.
- To analyze the impact of multi-locus interactions on epimutation and transposition dynamics.
- To understand how recombination rates are affected by epimutation-transposition balance.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-locus theoretical model.
- Analytical and numerical analysis of epimutation-transposition balance.
- Investigation of factors influencing recombination rates.
Main Results:
- The balance between transposition and epimutation can lead to the evolution of reduced recombination.
- Increased recombination may evolve under conditions of high epiallele reversion rates (e.g., in mammals).
- Mating systems, particularly selfing, can critically interact with deleterious transposition-epimutation effects.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic inheritance and transposon activity interact to shape genome evolution.
- Recombination rates are dynamically influenced by the interplay of epimutation and transposition.
- Understanding these balances is crucial for comprehending phenotypic variation and evolutionary trajectories.
Related Concept Videos
02:53Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation
Because the DNA segments are cut and reorganized in a direction-specific manner, site-specific recombination has emerged as an efficient genetic engineering technique. Flippase and Cyclization recombinases or Flp and Cre, respectively, are two members of the tyrosine recombinase family derived from bacteriophages, that are used to mediate site-specific DNA insertions, deletions, and targeted expression of proteins in mammalian cell lines.
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...
02:32Exon Recombination
The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes.
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
01:20Mismatch Repair
Organisms are capable of detecting and fixing nucleotide mismatches that occur during DNA replication. This sophisticated process requires identifying the new strand and replacing the erroneous bases with correct nucleotides. Mismatch repair is coordinated by many proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
01:36Mismatch Repair
Overview
02:13Overview of Transposition and Recombination
Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
02:08Gene Conversion
Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...