Geographic Variation in Epigenetic Responses to Hypoxia in Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) Distributed Along an Elevational Gradient.

ABSTRACT: Lowland and highland Peromyscus maniculatus populations display divergent, locally adapted physiological phenotypes shaped by altitudinal differences in oxygen availability. Many physiological responses to hypoxia seem to have evolved in lowland ancestors to offset episodic and localised bouts of low internal oxygen availability. However, upon chronic hypoxia exposure at high elevation, these responses can lead to physiological complications. Therefore, highland ancestry is often associated with evolved hypoxia responses, particularly traits promoting tolerance of constant hypoxia. Environmentally induced DNA methylation can dynamically alter gene expression patterns, providing a proximate basis for phenotypic plasticity. Given each population's differential reliance on plasticity for hypo

SUBMITTER: Tandon D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12010463 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature