Deleterious mutation/epimutation-selection balance with and without inbreeding: a population (epi)genetics model.

ABSTRACT: Epigenetics in the form of DNA methylation and other processes is an established property of genotypes and a focus of empirical research. Yet, there remain fundamental gaps in the evolutionary theory of epigenetics. To support a comprehensive understanding of epigenetics, this paper investigates theoretically the combined effects of deleterious mutation and epimutation with and without inbreeding. Both spontaneous epimutation and paramutation are considered to cover a broader range of epigenetic phenomena. We find that inbreeding generally reduces the amount of segregating deleterious genetic and epigenetic variation at equilibrium, although interestingly inbreeding can also increase the amount of deleterious genetic or epigenetic variation. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that epimutatio

SUBMITTER: Chernomas G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11228854 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature