Quantifying polymorphism and divergence from epigenetic data: a framework for inferring the action of selection.

ABSTRACT: Epigenetic modifications are alterations that regulate gene expression without modifying the underlying DNA sequence. DNA methylation and histone modifications, for example, are capable of spatial and temporal regulation of expression-with several studies demonstrating that these epigenetic marks are heritable. Thus, like DNA sequence, epigenetic marks are capable of storing information and passing it from one generation to the next. Because the epigenome is dynamic and epigenetic modifications can respond to external environmental stimuli, such changes may play an important role in adaptive evolution. While recent studies provide strong evidence for species-specific signatures of epigenetic marks, little is known about the mechanisms by which such modifications evolve. In order to address

SUBMITTER: Mahajan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4446996 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature