Epigenetic variation in light of population genetic practice

Sarah A. Mueller (), Justin Merondun, Sonja Lečić and Jochen B. W. Wolf ()
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Sarah A. Mueller: LMU Munich
Justin Merondun: LMU Munich
Sonja Lečić: LMU Munich
Jochen B. W. Wolf: LMU Munich

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract The evolutionary impact of epigenetic variation depends on its transgenerational stability and source - whether genetically determined, environmentally induced, or due to spontaneous, genotype-independent mutations. Here, we evaluate current approaches for investigating an independent role of epigenetics in evolution, pinpointing methodological challenges. We further identify opportunities arising from integrating epigenetic data with population genetic analyses in natural populations. Efforts to advance data quality, study design, and statistical treatment are encouraged to consolidate our understanding of the source of heritable epigenetic variation, quantify its autonomous potential for evolution, and enrich population genetic analyses with an additional layer of information.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55989-6

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