Early-life social experience affects offspring DNA methylation and later life stress phenotype

Zachary M. Laubach (), Julia R. Greenberg, Julie W. Turner, Tracy M. Montgomery, Malit O. Pioon, Maggie A. Sawdy, Laura Smale, Raymond G. Cavalcante, Karthik R. Padmanabhan, Claudia Lalancette, Bridgett vonHoldt, Christopher D. Faulk, Dana C. Dolinoy, Kay E. Holekamp and Wei Perng
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Zachary M. Laubach: Michigan State University
Julia R. Greenberg: Michigan State University
Julie W. Turner: Michigan State University
Tracy M. Montgomery: Michigan State University
Malit O. Pioon: Masai Mara National Reserve
Maggie A. Sawdy: Michigan State University
Laura Smale: Michigan State University
Raymond G. Cavalcante: University of Michigan
Karthik R. Padmanabhan: University of Michigan
Claudia Lalancette: University of Michigan
Bridgett vonHoldt: Princeton University
Christopher D. Faulk: University of Minnesota
Dana C. Dolinoy: University of Michigan
Kay E. Holekamp: Michigan State University
Wei Perng: University of Colorado Denver

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Studies in rodents and captive primates suggest that the early-life social environment affects future phenotype, potentially through alterations to DNA methylation. Little is known of these associations in wild animals. In a wild population of spotted hyenas, we test the hypothesis that maternal care during the first year of life and social connectedness during two periods of early development leads to differences in DNA methylation and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) later in life. Here we report that although maternal care and social connectedness during the den-dependent life stage are not associated with fGCMs, greater social connectedness during the subadult den-independent life stage is associated with lower adult fGCMs. Additionally, more maternal care and social connectedness after den independence correspond with higher global (%CCGG) DNA methylation. We also note differential DNA methylation near 5 genes involved in inflammation, immune response, and aging that may link maternal care with stress phenotype.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24583-x

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