Genome-wide variation in DNA methylation linked to developmental stage and chromosomal suppression of recombination in white-throated sparrows.

ABSTRACT: Much of our knowledge on regulatory impacts of DNA methylation has come from laboratory-bred model organisms, which may not exhibit the full extent of variation found in wild populations. Here, we investigated naturally-occurring variation in DNA methylation in a wild avian species, the white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). This species offers exceptional opportunities for studying the link between genetic differentiation and phenotypic traits because of a nonrecombining chromosome pair linked to both plumage and behavioural phenotypes. Using novel single-nucleotide resolution methylation maps and gene expression data, we show that DNA methylation and the expression of DNA methyltransferases are significantly higher in adults than in nestlings. Genes for which DNA methylation va

SUBMITTER: Sun D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8359194 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature