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A third source of developmental differences

P C Molenaar1, D I Boomsma, C V Dolan

  • 1University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychology, The Netherlands.

Behavior Genetics
|November 1, 1993
PubMed
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A third factor beyond genetics and environment influences development, potentially nonlinear epigenetic processes. These processes create variability and are studied using quantitative genetics.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Quantitative genetics

Background:

  • Phenotypic differences arise from genetic and environmental factors.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a third, distinct source of variation.
  • This source may explain unexplained developmental variability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present evidence for a third factor influencing phenotypic differences.
  • To propose nonlinear epigenetic processes as this third factor.
  • To introduce a model for quantifying these influences.

Main Methods:

  • Review of human and animal studies.
  • Quantitative genetic analysis of human subjects.
  • Development of a preliminary model for nonlinear epigenetic influences.

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Main Results:

  • Studies indicate a third source of phenotypic variation.
  • Nonlinear epigenetic processes can generate variability at somatic and behavioral levels.
  • These processes are confounded with within-family environmental influences in quantitative analyses.

Conclusions:

  • A third source of phenotypic variation exists, likely involving nonlinear epigenetic processes.
  • These processes contribute to developmental differences across all levels.
  • Further modeling is needed to precisely quantify these epigenetic influences.