Population epigenetics is a field that examines the extent (degree of variation) and dynamics (change over time) of epigenetic variation in natural populations, especially in response to changing environmental conditions. This emerging discipline integrates concepts from population genetics, epigenetics, and ecology to explore how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, contribute to phenotypic diversity and adaptation in wild populations. Unlike traditional population genetics, which focuses on variations in DNA sequences, population epigenetics studies heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations to the DNA sequence itself.
Since epigenetic changes can be influenced by environmental factors, have a potentially higher rate of spontaneous mutation than genetic sequences, and may be passed down through non-Mendelian inheritance, they play a significant role in adaptation. Population epigenetics therefore offers new insights into the mechanisms of evolution, disease susceptibility, and the ability of organisms to adapt to changing environments.
References
- ^ Chapelle V, Silvestre F (September 2022). "Population Epigenetics: The Extent of DNA Methylation Variation in Wild Animal Populations". Epigenomes. 6 (4): 31. doi:10.3390/epigenomes6040031. PMC 9589984. PMID 36278677.
- ^ Greally JM (February 2017). "Population Epigenetics". Current Opinion in Systems Biology. 1: 84–89. doi:10.1016/j.coisb.2017.01.004. PMC 5373102. PMID 28367533.