Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary and ecological roles of 'non-genetic' inheritance (NGI) is daunting due to the complexity and diversity of epigenetic mechanisms. We draw on insights from molecular and evolutionary biology perspectives to identify three general features of 'non-genetic' inheritance systems: (i) they are functionally interdependent with, rather than separate from, DNA sequence; (ii) precise mechanisms vary phylogenetically and operationally; and (iii) epigenetic elements are probabilistic, interactive regulatory factors and not deterministic 'epialleles' with defined genomic locations and effects. We discuss each of these features and offer recommendations for future empirical and theoretical research that implements a unifying inherited gene regulation (IGR) approach to studies of 'non-genetic' inheritance.
Highlights
Highlights 'Non-genetic' inheritance (NGI) involves a wide range of epigenetic, cytoplasmic, and other mechanisms
It is crucial to be aware of three features of non-genetic inheritance (NGI) systems: they are functionally dependent with, rather than separate from, DNA sequence information; the precise mechanisms are highly diverse within and across taxa; and they act probabilistically rather than as ‘epialleles’ with defined genomic locations and effects
The key shared features of these mechanisms can be clarified by the unifying concept of inherited gene regulation (IGR; Box 1). This term encapsulates the common effect of a wide range of transgenerational systems that can alter genome activity and gene expression in progeny (Figure 1), including genome-associated mechanisms such as DNA methylation as well as cytoplasmic cellular components and non-DNA-bound factors such as hormones
Summary
Highlights 'Non-genetic' inheritance (NGI) involves a wide range of epigenetic, cytoplasmic, and other mechanisms. It is crucial to be aware of three features of NGI systems: they are functionally dependent with, rather than separate from, DNA sequence information; the precise mechanisms are highly diverse within and across taxa; and they act probabilistically rather than as ‘epialleles’ with defined genomic locations and effects.
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