1
|
Korolenko A, Skinner MK. Generational stability of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance facilitates adaptation and evolution. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2380929. [PMID: 39104183 PMCID: PMC11305060 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2380929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The epigenome and epigenetic inheritance were not included in the original modern synthesis theory or more recent extended evolutionary synthesis of evolution. In a broad range of species, the environment has been shown to play a significant role in natural selection, which more recently has been shown to occur through epigenetic alterations and epigenetic inheritance. However, even with this evidence, the field of epigenetics and epigenetic inheritance has been left out of modern evolutionary synthesis, as well as other current evolutionary models. Epigenetic mechanisms can direct the regulation of genetic processes (e.g. gene expression) and also can be directly changed by the environment. In contrast, DNA sequence cannot be directly altered by the environment. The goal of this review is to present the evidence of how epigenetics and epigenetic inheritance can alter phenotypic variation in numerous species. This can occur at a significantly higher frequency than genetic change, so correlates with the frequency of evolutionary change. In addition, the concept and importance of generational stability of transgenerational inheritance is incorporated into evolutionary theory. For there to be a better understanding of evolutionary biology, we must incorporate all aspects of molecular (e.g. genetics and epigenetics) and biological sciences (e.g. environment and adaptation).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Korolenko
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crino OL, Head ML, Jennions MD, Noble DWA. Mitochondrial function and sexual selection: can physiology resolve the 'lek paradox'? J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb245569. [PMID: 38206324 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Across many taxa, males use elaborate ornaments or complex displays to attract potential mates. Such sexually selected traits are thought to signal important aspects of male 'quality'. Female mating preferences based on sexual traits are thought to have evolved because choosy females gain direct benefits that enhance their lifetime reproductive success (e.g. greater access to food) and/or indirect benefits because high-quality males contribute genes that increase offspring fitness. However, it is difficult to explain the persistence of female preferences when males only provide genetic benefits, because female preferences should erode the heritable genetic variation in fitness that sexually selected traits signal. This 'paradox of the lek' has puzzled evolutionary biologists for decades, and inspired many hypotheses to explain how heritable variation in sexually selected traits is maintained. Here, we discuss how factors that affect mitochondrial function can maintain variation in sexually selected traits despite strong female preferences. We discuss how mitochondrial function can influence the expression of sexually selected traits, and we describe empirical studies that link the expression of sexually selected traits to mitochondrial function. We explain how mothers can affect mitochondrial function in their offspring by (a) influencing their developmental environment through maternal effects and (b) choosing a mate to increase the compatibility of mitochondrial and nuclear genes (i.e. the 'mitonuclear compatibility model of sexual selection'). Finally, we discuss how incorporating mitochondrial function into models of sexual selection might help to resolve the paradox of the lek, and we suggest avenues for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ondi L Crino
- School of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Megan L Head
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Michael D Jennions
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Centre, 10 Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Daniel W A Noble
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tschol M, Reid JM, Bocedi G. Strong spatial population structure shapes the temporal coevolutionary dynamics of costly female preference and male display. Evolution 2021; 76:636-648. [PMID: 34964487 PMCID: PMC9302702 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Female mating preferences for exaggerated male display traits are commonplace. Yet, comprehensive understanding of the evolution and persistence of costly female preference through indirect (Fisherian) selection in finite populations requires some explanation for the persistence of additive genetic variance (Va) underlying sexual traits, given that directional preference is expected to deplete Va in display and hence halt preference evolution. However, the degree to which Va, and hence preference‐display coevolution, may be prolonged by spatially variable sexual selection arising solely from limited gene flow and genetic drift within spatially structured populations has not been examined. Our genetically and spatially explicit model shows that spatial population structure arising in an ecologically homogeneous environment can facilitate evolution and long‐term persistence of costly preference given small subpopulations and low dispersal probabilities. Here, genetic drift initially creates spatial variation in female preference, leading to persistence of Va in display through “migration‐bias” of genotypes maladapted to emerging local sexual selection, thus fueling coevolution of costly preference and display. However, costs of sexual selection increased the probability of subpopulation extinction, limiting persistence of high preference‐display genotypes. Understanding long‐term dynamics of sexual selection systems therefore requires joint consideration of coevolution of sexual traits and metapopulation dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Tschol
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Jane M Reid
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK.,Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Institutt for Biologi, NTNU, Realfagbygget, Gløshaugen, Høgskoleringen 5, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Greta Bocedi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Anderson NK, Schuppe ER, Gururaja KV, Mangiamele LA, Martinez JCC, Priti H, May RV, Preininger D, Fuxjager MJ. A Common Endocrine Signature Marks the Convergent Evolution of an Elaborate Dance Display in Frogs. Am Nat 2021; 198:522-539. [PMID: 34559606 DOI: 10.1086/716213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractUnrelated species often evolve similar phenotypic solutions to the same environmental problem, a phenomenon known as convergent evolution. But how do these common traits arise? We address this question from a physiological perspective by assessing how convergence of an elaborate gestural display in frogs (foot-flagging) is linked to changes in the androgenic hormone systems that underlie it. We show that the emergence of this rare display in unrelated anuran taxa is marked by a robust increase in the expression of androgen receptor (AR) messenger RNA in the musculature that actuates leg and foot movements, but we find no evidence of changes in the abundance of AR expression in these frogs' central nervous systems. Meanwhile, the magnitude of the evolutionary change in muscular AR and its association with the origin of foot-flagging differ among clades, suggesting that these variables evolve together in a mosaic fashion. Finally, while gestural displays do differ between species, variation in the complexity of a foot-flagging routine does not predict differences in muscular AR. Altogether, these findings suggest that androgen-muscle interactions provide a conduit for convergence in sexual display behavior, potentially providing a path of least resistance for the evolution of motor performance.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lai C, Wu F, Wang Y, Wang W, Li Y, Zhang G, Gao J, Zhu Z, Yuan J, Yang J, Zhang W. Specific epigenetic microenvironment and the regulation of tumor-related gene expression by trichloroethylene in human hepatocytes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111453. [PMID: 33068984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE), an important volatile organic solvent, causes a series of toxic damage to human. Conventional genetic mechanisms cannot fully explain its toxicity and carcinogenicity, indicative of the possible involvement of epigenetic mechanisms. Our study was intended to investigate the epigenetic toxicity and underlying mechanisms of TCE. Data showed that 0.3 mM TCE treatment for 24 h increased the growth of L-02 cells transiently. In contrast, subacute exposure to TCE inhibited cell growth and induced the genomic DNA hypomethylation and histone hyperacetylation. Further studies have revealed the TCE-induced DNA hypomethylation in the promoter regions of tumor-related genes, N-Ras, c-Jun, c-Myc, c-Fos and IGF-II, promoting their protein levels in a time-dependent manner. These results reveal there is a negative relationship existing between DNA hypomethylation and protein expression in tumor-related gene after TCE exposure under specific epigenetic microenvironment, serving as early biomarkers for TCE-associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Lai
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Diseases, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Yueqi Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Gaoqiang Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Jianji Gao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China
| | - Zhiliang Zhu
- Baoan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518101, PR China
| | - Jianhui Yuan
- Nanshan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518054, PR China
| | - Jianping Yang
- Shenzhen Taike Test Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518053, PR China.
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rutkowska J, Lagisz M, Bonduriansky R, Nakagawa S. Mapping the past, present and future research landscape of paternal effects. BMC Biol 2020; 18:183. [PMID: 33246472 PMCID: PMC7694421 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00892-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although in all sexually reproducing organisms an individual has a mother and a father, non-genetic inheritance has been predominantly studied in mothers. Paternal effects have been far less frequently studied, until recently. In the last 5 years, research on environmentally induced paternal effects has grown rapidly in the number of publications and diversity of topics. Here, we provide an overview of this field using synthesis of evidence (systematic map) and influence (bibliometric analyses). RESULTS We find that motivations for studies into paternal effects are diverse. For example, from the ecological and evolutionary perspective, paternal effects are of interest as facilitators of response to environmental change and mediators of extended heredity. Medical researchers track how paternal pre-fertilization exposures to factors, such as diet or trauma, influence offspring health. Toxicologists look at the effects of toxins. We compare how these three research guilds design experiments in relation to objects of their studies: fathers, mothers and offspring. We highlight examples of research gaps, which, in turn, lead to future avenues of research. CONCLUSIONS The literature on paternal effects is large and disparate. Our study helps in fostering connections between areas of knowledge that develop in parallel, but which could benefit from the lateral transfer of concepts and methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Rutkowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, BEES, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, BEES, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Russell Bonduriansky
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, BEES, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, BEES, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Simmons LW, Lovegrove M. Can paternal effects via seminal fluid contribute to the evolution of polyandry? Biol Lett 2020; 16:20200680. [PMID: 33202182 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic benefits from mating with multiple males are thought to favour the evolution of polyandry. However, recent evidence suggests that non-genetic paternal effects via seminal fluid might contribute to the observed effects of polyandry on offspring performance. Here, we test this hypothesis using the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus. Using interference RNA, we first show that at least one seminal fluid protein is essential for embryo survival. We then show that polyandrous females mated to three different males produced embryos with higher pre-hatching viability than did monandrous females mated with the same male three times. Pseudo-polyandrous females that obtained sperm and seminal fluid from a single male and seminal fluid from two additional males had embryos with viabilities intermediate between monandrous and polyandrous females. Our results suggest either that ejaculate mediated paternal effects on embryo viability have both genetic and non-genetic components, or that seminal fluids transferred by castrated males provide only a subset of proteins contained within the normal ejaculate, and are unable to exert their full effect on embryo viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh W Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Maxine Lovegrove
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kekäläinen J, Jokiniemi A, Janhunen M, Huuskonen H. Offspring phenotype is shaped by the nonsperm fraction of semen. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:584-594. [PMID: 31984576 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In a large majority of animal species, the only contribution of males to the next generation has been assumed to be their genes (sperm). However, along with sperm, seminal plasma contains a wide array of extracellular factors that have many important functions in reproduction. Yet, the potential intergenerational effects of these factors are virtually unknown. We investigated these effects in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) by experimentally manipulating the presence and identity of seminal plasma and by fertilizing the eggs of multiple females with the manipulated and unmanipulated semen of several males in a full-factorial breeding design. The presence of both own seminal plasma and foreign seminal plasma inhibited sperm motility, and the removal of own seminal plasma decreased embryo survival. Embryos hatched significantly earlier after both semen manipulations than in control fertilizations; foreign seminal plasma also increased offspring aerobic swimming performance. Given that our experimental design allowed us to control potentially confounding sperm-mediated (sire) effects and maternal effects, our results indicate that seminal plasma may have direct intergenerational consequences for offspring phenotype and performance. This novel source of offspring phenotypic variance may provide new insights into the evolution of polyandry and mechanisms that maintain heritable variation in fitness and associated female mating preferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Matti Janhunen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Joensuu, Finland
| | - Hannu Huuskonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
York JR, Baird TA. Sexual selection on female collared lizards favours offspring production with multiple males. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
10
|
Su-Keene EJ, Bonilla MM, Padua MV, Zeh DW, Zeh JA. Simulated climate warming and mitochondrial haplogroup modulate testicular small non-coding RNA expression in the neotropical pseudoscorpion, Cordylochernes scorpioides. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2018; 4:dvy027. [PMID: 30595847 PMCID: PMC6305488 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvy027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent theory suggests that tropical terrestrial arthropods are at significant risk from climate warming. Metabolic rate in such ectothermic species increases exponentially with environmental temperature, and a small temperature increase in a hot environment can therefore have a greater physiological impact than a large temperature increase in a cool environment. In two recent studies of the neotropical pseudoscorpion, Cordylochernes scorpioides, simulated climate warming significantly decreased survival, body size and level of sexual dimorphism. However, these effects were minor compared with catastrophic consequences for male fertility and female fecundity, identifying reproduction as the life stage most vulnerable to climate warming. Here, we examine the effects of chronic high-temperature exposure on epigenetic regulation in C. scorpioides in the context of naturally occurring variation in mitochondrial DNA. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) expression, are particularly sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, which can induce changes in epigenetic states and phenotypes that may be heritable across generations. Our results indicate that exposure of male pseudoscorpions to elevated temperature significantly altered the expression of >60 sncRNAs in testicular tissue, specifically microRNAs and piwi-interacting RNAs. Mitochondrial haplogroup was also a significant factor influencing both sncRNAs and mitochondrial gene expression. These findings demonstrate that chronic heat stress causes changes in epigenetic profiles that may account for reproductive dysfunction in C. scorpioides males. Moreover, through its effects on epigenetic regulation, mitochondrial DNA polymorphism may provide the potential for an adaptive evolutionary response to climate warming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J Su-Keene
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Melvin M Bonilla
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael V Padua
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - David W Zeh
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Jeanne A Zeh
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Arbuthnott D. Female Life-History Trade-Offs and the Maintenance of Genetic Variation in Drosophila melanogaster. Am Nat 2018; 192:448-460. [PMID: 30205025 DOI: 10.1086/698727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Why do we observe substantial variation in fitness-related traits under strong natural or sexual selection? While there is support for several selective and neutral mechanisms acting in select systems, we lack a comprehensive analysis of the relative importance of various mechanisms within a single system. Furthermore, while sexually selected male traits have been a central focus of this paradox, female sexual traits have rarely been considered. In this study, I evaluate the contribution of various selective mechanisms to the maintenance of substantial variation in female attractiveness and offspring production observed among Drosophila melanogaster genotypes. I tested for contributions from antagonistic pleiotropy, frequency-dependent selection, changing environments, and sexual conflict. I found negative genetic correlations between some traits (male attractiveness vs. female resistance to male harm, early-life offspring production vs. reproductive senescence) and genotype-specific changes in fitness between environments. However, no measurement found strong trade-offs among the fitness components of these genotypes. Overall, I find little evidence that any one mechanism is strong enough to maintain genetic variation on its own. Instead, I suggest that many mechanisms may weaken the selection among genotypes, which would collectively allow neutral processes such as mutation-selection balance to maintain genetic variation within populations.
Collapse
|
12
|
Macartney EL, Crean AJ, Bonduriansky R. Epigenetic paternal effects as costly, condition-dependent traits. Heredity (Edinb) 2018; 121:248-256. [PMID: 29904169 PMCID: PMC6082865 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now recognized that post-copulatory traits, such as sperm and ejaculate production can impose metabolic costs, and such traits are therefore expected to exhibit condition-dependent expression, whereby, low condition individuals experience a greater marginal cost of investment compared to high condition individuals. Ejaculates are especially costly in species where males invest in offspring quality through nutrient-rich spermatophores or other seminal nuptial gifts. However, recent evidence shows that, in species where males do not provision females or offspring, males can still influence offspring development through paternal effects mediated by epigenetic factors, such as non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation and chromatin structure. Because such epigenetic paternal effects do not involve the transfer of substantial quantities of resources, such as nutrients, the costs of conferring such effects have not been considered. Here we argue that if selection favours paternal investment in offspring quality through epigenetic factors, then the epigenetic machinery required to bring about such effects may also be expected to evolve strongly condition-dependent expression. We outline indirect evidence suggesting that epigenetic paternal effects could impose substantial metabolic costs, consider the conditions under which selection may act on such effects, and suggest ways to test for differential costs and condition-dependence of these effects. Incorporating epigenetic paternal effects into condition-dependent life history theory will further our understanding of the heritability of fitness and the evolution of paternal investment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Macartney
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Angela J Crean
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Russell Bonduriansky
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The Modern Evolutionary Synthesis (MS) forged in the mid-twentieth century was built on a notion of heredity that excluded soft inheritance, the inheritance of the effects of developmental modifications. However, the discovery of molecular mechanisms that generate random and developmentally induced epigenetic variations is leading to a broadening of the notion of biological heredity that has consequences for ideas about evolution. After presenting some old challenges to the MS that were raised, among others, by Karl Popper, I discuss recent research on epigenetic inheritance, which provides experimental and theoretical support for these challenges. There is now good evidence that epigenetic inheritance is ubiquitous and is involved in adaptive evolution and macroevolution. I argue that the many evolutionary consequences of epigenetic inheritance open up new research areas and require the extension of the evolutionary synthesis beyond the current neo-Darwinian model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Jablonka
- The Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Friesen CR, Wilson MR, Rollings N, Sudyka J, Whittington CM, Giraudeau M, Olsson M. Conditional Handicaps in Exuberant Lizards: Bright Color in Aggressive Males Is Correlated with High Levels of Free Radicals. Front Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|
15
|
Sharma A. Transgenerational epigenetics: Integrating soma to germline communication with gametic inheritance. Mech Ageing Dev 2017; 163:15-22. [PMID: 28093237 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Evidence supporting germline mediated epigenetic inheritance of environmentally induced traits has increasingly emerged over the past several years. Although the mechanisms underlying this inheritance remain unclear, recent findings suggest that parental gamete-borne epigenetic factors, particularly RNAs, affect post-fertilization and developmental gene regulation, ultimately leading to phenotypic appearance in the offspring. Complex processes involving gene expression and epigenetic regulation are considered to perpetuate across generations. In addition to transfer of germline factors, epigenetic inheritance via gametes also requires a mechanism whereby the information pertaining to the induced traits is communicated from soma to germline. Despite violating a century-old view in biology, this communication seems to play a role in transmission of environmental effects across generations. Circulating RNAs, especially those associated with extracellular vesicles like exosomes, are emerging as promising candidates that can transmit gene regulatory information in this direction. Cumulatively, these new observations provide a basis to integrate epigenetic inheritance. With significant implications in health, disease and ageing, the latter appears poised to revolutionize biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Sharma
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Sukhdev Vihar, Mathura Road, New Delhi, 110025, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Head ML, Jennions MD, Zajitschek SRK. Sexual selection: incorporating non-genetic inheritance. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|