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Epigenetics and developmental plasticity across species
Author(s) -
Champagne Frances A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.21036
Subject(s) - epigenetics , biology , phenotypic plasticity , dna methylation , evolutionary biology , epigenesis , homology (biology) , developmental plasticity , phenotype , plasticity , context (archaeology) , genetics , gene , paleontology , gene expression , physics , thermodynamics
Plasticity is a typical feature of development and can lead to divergent phenotypes. There is increasing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, are present across species, are modifiable by the environment, and are involved in developmental plasticity. Thus, in the context of the concept of developmental homology, epigenetic mechanisms may serve to create a process homology between species by providing a common molecular pathway through which environmental experiences shape development, ultimately leading to phenotypic diversity. This article will highlight evidence derived from across‐species investigations of epigenetics, development, and plasticity which may contribute to our understanding of the homology that exists between species and between ancestors and descendants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 33–41, 2013.