Natural variation is defined as the phenotypic variation caused by spontaneous mutations. In general, mutations are associated with changes of nucleotide sequence, and many mutations in genes that can cause changes in plant development have been identified. Epigenetic change, which does not involve alteration to the nucleotide sequence, can also cause changes in gene activity by changing the structure of chromatin through DNA methylation or histone modifications. Now there is evidence based on induced or spontaneous mutants that epigenetic changes can cause altering plant phenotypes. Epigenetic changes have occurred frequently in plants, and some are heritable or metastable causing variation in epigenetic status within or between species. Therefore, heritable epigenetic variation as well as genetic variation has the potential to drive natural variation.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms13089900 | DOI Listing |
Nat Commun
January 2025
Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
The evolutionary impact of epigenetic variation depends on its transgenerational stability and source - whether genetically determined, environmentally induced, or due to spontaneous, genotype-independent mutations. Here, we evaluate current approaches for investigating an independent role of epigenetics in evolution, pinpointing methodological challenges. We further identify opportunities arising from integrating epigenetic data with population genetic analyses in natural populations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNat Commun
January 2025
Type 2 Immunity Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.
How macrophages in the tissue environment integrate multiple stimuli depends on the genetic background of the host, but this is still poorly understood. We investigate IL-4 activation of male C57BL/6 and BALB/c strain specific in vivo tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) from the peritoneal cavity. C57BL/6 TRMs are more transcriptionally responsive to IL-4 stimulation, with induced genes associated with more super enhancers, induced enhancers, and topologically associating domains (TAD) boundaries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlants (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki, Kita 761-0795, Kagawa, Japan.
Kunth is native to tropical America and has invaded tropical and subtropical Asia and numerous Pacific Islands. It forms dense thickets and reduces native species diversity and populations in its introduced range. This invasive vine also seriously impacts many agricultural crops and is listed as one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMedicina (Kaunas)
January 2025
M2S (Laboratoire Mouvement, Sport, Santé)-EA 1274, University Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in , the gene encoding the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), has been suggested as a genetic variation that can influence exercise performance and risk of injury in elite athletes. The I allele has been associated with enhanced endurance performance and with reduced inflammation, while the D allele has been associated with improved performance in strength and power activities. However, the role of this genetic variant in the incidence of non-contact injury is underexplored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGenes (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Coronary atherosclerosis (CAD) is characterized by arterial intima lipid deposition, chronic inflammation, and fibrous tissue proliferation, leading to arterial wall thickening and lumen narrowing. As the primary cause of coronary heart disease and acute coronary syndrome, CAD significantly impacts global health. Recent genetic studies have demonstrated CAD's polygenic and multifactorial nature, providing molecular insights for early diagnosis and risk assessment.
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