EpiDiverse: epigenetic diversity in ecology

 

High-resolution epigenetic analysis in plants has been limited to a few molecular model species, but it is unclear how important epigenetic variation is for adaptation in nature. Now that genomic tools have become available for nonmodel species, the role of epigenetics in ecological adaptation can be addresses. NIOO coordinates a Marie Curie European training network, involving 15 PhD student projects, in which ecologists, molecular geneticists and bioinformaticians join forces to understand causes and consequences of epigenetic variation in a number of ecologically very diverse wild plant species.

 

Epigenetic variation and adaptive capacity in clonal plants

Asexual lineages have reduced capacity for genetic adaptation, yet some asexual plant and animals are very successful in colonizing or invading new habitats. We study the relevance of epigenetic variation for adaptation in asexual plant lineages: apomictic dandelions and clonal duckweed. In these lineages, environmental epigenetic effects and epigenetic mutations generate heritable variation that is relevant for adaptation. Insight in the epigenetic contribution to adaptation in asexual lineages may help develop new breeding approaches for clonal or low-diversity crops, such as potato, banana and wine grapes).

 

Ecological determinants of population differences in epigenetic variation

Epigenetic modifications show rapid responses to environmental changes, have been associated with health and disease and can shape phenotypic variation. In animals, we have only limited knowledge on the origin of epigenetic variation among populations. The great tit (Parus major) forms a large panmictic population in Europe with only very little genetic differentiation. In this project we investigate the ecological factors that underlie population differences in DNA methylation over the whole range of the species to investigate the ecological factors causing these differences.

 

Causes and consequences of DNA methylation variation

DNA methylation originates from both genetic as well as environmental factors affecting how the genome is expressed. In contrast to plants, mammals show two episodes of de- and re-methylation during early development. How both induced and genetic variation in DNA methylation will be shaped by this process and how that will affect the possibility of transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic marks has not been studied in natural populations. In this NWO open project we will use data from both captive and wild populations to unravel the role of induced and genetic factors for transgenerational inheritance of DNA methylation variation in the great tit (Parus major).