Epigenetics as a mediator of genome x environment interactions
Résumé
Epigenetic mechanisms, defined as heritable changes in gene function that cannot be explained by changes in the DNA sequence, may play a role in the genotype × environment interaction. Here we briefly show how epigenetics can interact with the environment, how these mechanisms are linked to genetics, and to what extent they can mediate the G×E interaction. The classical genetic selection model decomposes the phenotype into genetic and environmental effects, poorly taking into account their interaction. But this decomposition may be improved. Given the constraints faced by livestock breeding today, especially due to climate change, a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms governing the genome's responses to changing environments could provide new routes for improving selection for a wide range of traits.
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