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Epigenetic variation in the Egfr gene generates quantitative variation in a complex trait in ants

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  • Sebastian Alvarado

    (McGill University
    Present address: Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Gilbert Biology 314, Palo Alto, California 94305-5020, USA)

  • Rajendhran Rajakumar

    (McGill University
    Present address: Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, Florida 32610-3610, USA)

  • Ehab Abouheif

    (McGill University)

  • Moshe Szyf

    (McGill University)

Abstract

Complex quantitative traits, like size and behaviour, are a pervasive feature of natural populations. Quantitative trait variation is the product of both genetic and environmental factors, yet little is known about the mechanisms through which their interaction generates this variation. Epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, can mediate gene-by-environment interactions during development to generate discrete phenotypic variation. We therefore investigated the developmental role of DNA methylation in generating continuous size variation of workers in an ant colony, a key trait associated with division of labour. Here we show that, in the carpenter ant Camponotus floridanus, global (genome-wide) DNA methylation indirectly regulates quantitative methylation of the conserved cell-signalling gene Epidermal growth factor receptor to generate continuous size variation of workers. DNA methylation can therefore generate quantitative variation in a complex trait by quantitatively regulating the transcription of a gene. This mechanism, alongside genetic variation, may determine the phenotypic possibilities of loci for generating quantitative trait variation in natural populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian Alvarado & Rajendhran Rajakumar & Ehab Abouheif & Moshe Szyf, 2015. "Epigenetic variation in the Egfr gene generates quantitative variation in a complex trait in ants," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-9, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms7513
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7513
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaomeng Qiao & Fangyuan Yin & Yuanyuan Ji & Yunxiao Li & Peng Yan & Jianghua Lai, 2017. "5-Aza-2’-deoxycytidine in the medial prefrontal cortex regulates alcohol-related behavior and Ntf3-TrkC expression in rats," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(6), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Iryna Ivasyk & Leonora Olivos-Cisneros & Stephany Valdés-Rodríguez & Marie Droual & Hosung Jang & Robert J. Schmitz & Daniel J. C. Kronauer, 2023. "DNMT1 mutant ants develop normally but have disrupted oogenesis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.

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