Epigenetics beats Darwin "Hands Down" at the track

-


The article "Genome-wide epigenetic modifications in sports horses during training as an adaptation phenomenon" by Grazioli et al. (2023) investigated how the adaptation to training in Thoroughbred horses modifies the methylation pattern throughout the genome. The study recruited 20 untrained horses, kept under the same environmental conditions and sprint training regimen. Peripheral blood was collected at the start of the training and after 30 and 90 days. Extracted leukocyte DNA was analyzed with the methylation content sensitive enzyme ddRAD (MCSeEd) technique for the first time applied to animal cells.

The study identified approximately one thousand differently methylated genomic regions (DMRs) and nearby genes, revealing that methylation changes can be found in a large part of the genome and, therefore, referable to the physiological adaptation to training. Functional analysis via GO enrichment also revealed that DMRs were enriched in genes involved in a variety of biological processes, including muscle development, metabolism, and immunity.

The study also observed significant differences in methylation patterns throughout the training stages. This suggests that the methylation profile of some genes can be affected early by training, while others require a more persistent stimulus. The authors hypothesize that this may be due to the different types of adaptations that occur in the body during training, such as the initial increase in muscle mass and strength, followed by the development of more specific adaptations, such as increased cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

The findings of this study provide new insights into the role of epigenetics in the adaptation of sports horses to training. The identification of DMRs and nearby genes that are differentially methylated during training may lead to the development of new biomarkers for monitoring training progress and identifying horses that are at risk of injury or overtraining. Additionally, the study suggests that it may be possible to manipulate epigenetic modifications through training or other interventions to improve the performance and health of sports horses.

Overall, the study by Grazioli et al. (2023) is an important contribution to the field of equine sports science and epigenetics. It provides new insights into the role of epigenetics in the adaptation of sports horses to training and lays the foundation for future research in this area.

The articles concepts challenges Neo-Darwinism in the following ways:

  • Neo-Darwinism emphasizes the importance of genetic variation in driving evolution. However, the study found that epigenetic modifications, which are changes to DNA expression that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence, can also play a significant role in adaptation. This suggests that adaptation can occur more quickly and easily than Neo-Darwinism predicts.

  • Neo-Darwinism views evolution as a gradual process. However, the study found that epigenetic modifications can occur rapidly in response to environmental stimuli. This suggests that evolution can also occur in sudden bursts, rather than just gradually over time.

  • Neo-Darwinism focuses on the role of natural selection in driving evolution. However, the study found that epigenetic changes can also be influenced by other factors, such as training and diet. This suggests that there are multiple forces that can contribute to adaptation.

Overall, the study suggests that Neo-Darwinism is too simplistic in its view of evolution. Epigenetic modifications add a new layer of complexity to our understanding of how organisms adapt to their environment.

Here are some specific examples of how the study challenges Neo-Darwinism:

  • The study found that epigenetic modifications in sports horses were associated with changes in gene expression in a variety of tissues, including muscle, bone, and heart. This suggests that epigenetic modifications can play a role in a wide range of physiological adaptations to training.

  • The study also found that epigenetic modifications in sports horses were associated with changes in the expression of genes that are involved in regulating development and growth. This suggests that epigenetic modifications can also play a role in long-term changes.

  • Finally, the study found that epigenetic modifications in sports horses could be transmitted to their offspring. This suggests that epigenetic modifications accelerate the pace of changes.

Overall, the study provides strong evidence that epigenetic modifications play an important role in adaptation. This challenges the Neo-Darwinian view that evolution is driven solely by genetic variation and natural selection.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

No, the EES is not just a add on to Neo-Darwinism aka the Modern Synthesis

-
Image
" The summary of the state of affairs on the 150th anniversary of the Origin is somewhat shocking: in the post-genomic era, all major tenets of the Modern Synthesis fthe theory of evolution) are, if not outright overturned replaced by a new and incomparably more complex vision of the key aspects of evolution (EES). So, not to mince words , the Modern Synthesis is gone" -Eugene Koonin, an evolutionary biologist (Cited by over 270,000 evolutionary scientists.) The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) represents a significant departure from the traditional neo-Darwinian framework, also known as the Modern Synthesis . While both theories aim to explain evolutionary change, they differ fundamentally in their underlying mechanisms and the roles they assign to various biological processes. A crucial point of divergence lies in the interpretation and application of the term " evolutionary ," particularly concerning the incorporation of epigenetic mechanisms....
Read more

Is the random mutational model of evolution on its way out?

-
Image
While the random mutational model of evolution has long been a cornerstone of evolutionary biology, the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) and the study of epigenetics are challenging its core assumptions. The Random Mutational Model and Its Limitations The traditional view of evolution, often called the Modern Synthesis or neo-Darwinism , emphasizes random genetic mutations as the primary source of variation. Natural selection then acts upon this variation, favoring individuals with advantageous traits. This model has been successful in explaining some evolutionary phenomena, but it also has limitations: It struggles to explain complex adaptations: The idea that complex features like the eye or the immune system arose solely through random mutations seems statistically improbable. It overlooks the role of the environment: The traditional model treats the environment as a selective force, but it doesn't fully consider how organisms can actively respond to and s...
Read more

ERVs and Common Descent: A Reassessment in Light of Recent Findings

-
Image
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have long been considered strong evidence for the common descent of humans and chimpanzees. These remnants of ancient viral infections, embedded in the genomes of both species, were once thought to be non-functional "junk DNA." The premise was that the shared presence of these seemingly random insertions in corresponding genomic locations could best be explained by a shared evolutionary history. However, recent research, such as the "Switching Sides" article published in May 2021, has challenged this assumption by demonstrating that ERVs play a functional role in the development of the human embryo and immune system. This discovery raises questions about the validity of using ERVs as primary evidence for common descent. The Traditional Argument for Common Descent The traditional argument for common descent based on ERVs rests on the following points: Random Insertion: Retroviral insertions are thought to occur randomly in...
Read more