Epigenetics and developmental plasticity across species. Issue 1 (18th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Champagne, Frances A.; Moore, David; Moore, Chris
• Is Part Of: Developmental psychobiology. Volume 55:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2012-06-18
• Subjects: Psychobiology -- Periodicals; 155
• DOI: 10.1002/dev.21036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-1630

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>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.</p> </abstract>