Properties of epigenetic variation and its evolutionary consequences


Main funder

Funder's project number353447


Funds granted by main funder (€)

  • 199 758,00


Funding program


Project timetable

Project start date01/09/2022

Project end date31/08/2024


Summary

Traditionally only genetic changes have been considered to be the raw material of evolution. However, it is now clear that epigenetic
changes, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small RNAs can be inherited at least to some extent. In recent years,
evidence for epigenetic inheritance has accumulated in multiple systems. Some epigenetic changes appear to be spontaneous, while
others are induced by the environment, and may be a mechanism for transgenerational effects. Anything that can be inherited can in
principle have a role in evolution, as evolutionary theory does not require a specific mechanism for inheritance. However, spontaneous
epigenetic changes have different properties than genetic mutations and thus epigenetic changes can cause different types of
evolutionary dynamics compared to genetic mutations. My previous work has investigated the role of epigenetic mutations in adaptation
using both theoretical models and experiments. I have shown that epigenetic mutations can cause two-phase evolutionary dynamics
where epigenetic mutations are first responsible for adaptation, followed by genetic mutations that fix the same phenotype. I have also
experimental evidence indicates that DNA methylation changes participate in adaptation.
To incorporate epigenetic changes to evolutionary theory we need to have a better understanding of the properties of epigenetic
changes. Therefore, I propose to perform two large experiments. In the first experiment, I will determine the rate and stability of
spontaneous DNA methylation and histone modification changes in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa by using a mutation
accumulation experiment and subsequently determining changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications by whole genome
sequencing. This will provide accurate estimates of rates of several types of epigenetic changes. Moreover, I will measure the
phenotypic effects of epigenetic changes, which are extremely important in understanding the evolutionary consequences of epigenetic
mutations. In the second experiment, I will determine if transgenerational effects are present in Neurospora, how stable they are across
generations, and if they are due to epigenetic changes induced by the environment. Estimating rates, stability, and phenotypic effects of
epigenetic changes will allow parametrizing evolutionary models with realistic values and will allow determining how epigenetic
changes influence adaptation and evolution.


Principal Investigator


Primary responsible unit


Last updated on 2022-23-08 at 08:51