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Cited by 111Epigenetics and DNA MethylationChromosomal and Genetic VariationsAnimal Behavior and Reproduction

DNA methylation: a source of random variation in natural populations

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Massicotte, Rachel, Whitelaw, Emma, Angers, Bernard·2011·Epigenetics
DOI 10.4161/epi.6.4.14532
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Abstract

Epigenetic processes (e.g., DNA methylation) have been proposed as potentially important evolutionary mechanisms. However, before drawing conclusions about their evolutionary relevance, we need to evaluate the independence of epigenetic variation from genetic variation, as well as the extent of methylation polymorphism in nature. We evaluated these in natural populations of a clonal fish, Chrosomus eos-neogaeus, for which genetically identical individuals may be found in distinct environments. A genomic survey confirms the genetic uniformity of individuals, whereas a substantial level of inter-individual variation results in DNA methylation. Survey of the methylation status of the CpG dinucleotides of a fragment of a retrotransposon confirmed a marked difference in epiallelic composition among tissues, as well as among individuals. This study provides further evidence of epigenetic variation in the absence of genetic variation and demonstrates that this process can be a source of random variation in natural populations.

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  • A disruption in epigenetic programming occurs across different time windows throughout the life span.

    “given evidence that a disruption in epigenetic programming occurs across different time windows throughout the life span (Massicotte, Whitelaw, & Angers, 2011).”

    From Can epigenetics shine a light on the biological pathways underlying major mental disorders? (2022) · cites this paper as Massicotte, Whitelaw, & Angers, 2011

    The Introduction (page unavailable) says environmental influences can alter methylation profiles beyond the standard developmental program, and the DNA methylation profiles section describes changes arising across cell divisions. These passages support epigenetic change, but they do not establish that disruptions occur in different time windows throughout the life span. (LLM, conf=0.79)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Epigenetic regulation occurs throughout the lifespan and can be induced by random changes or by multiple different environmental factors.

    “In fact, epigenetic regulation occurs throughout the lifespan and can be induced by random changes (62) or by multiple different environmental factors (63).”

    From Epigenetic Modifications in Stress Response Genes Associated With Childhood Trauma (2019) · cites this paper as [62]

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Authors
Massicotte, R., Whitelaw, E., & Angers, B.
Affiliations
Université de Montréal (CA)
Corresponding author
Massicotte, Rachel
ORCID
Venue
Epigenetics
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2011-04
Volume
6
Issue
4
Pages
421-427
ISSN
  • 1559-2294 (ISSN-L)
  • 1559-2308
DOI
10.4161/epi.6.4.14532
OpenAlex
W2077775555
Cited by
111
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 6
FWCI
3.37
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Epigenetics (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Fonds Québécois de la Recherche sur la Nature et les Technologies
  • Université de Montréal
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics › Animal Behavior and Reproduction
Keywords
DNA methylation, epigenetic variation, epialleles, clonal fish, retrotransposons, CpG, interindividual variability, tissue-specific methylation, epigenetic inheritance, natural populations
MeSH terms
Animals, Cyprinidae, Female, Reproduction, Asexual, Genetic Variation, Genome, DNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic, Mice

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