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Show 67 college of science Epigenetic inheritance is defined as inheritance that is independent of genetic sequence. It is thought that epigenetic inheritance can result from environmental signals or disturbances and allows rapid adaptation to environmental problems, largely through changes in gene expression. Epigenetic inheritance can be mediated by maternal or paternal effects (or a combination of the two). While evidence is accumulating that environmental disturbances such as starvation or toxin exposures can induce epigenetic inheritance of gene expression differences, none of these responses have been shown to be functional (adaptive). We have discovered what appears to be an adaptive response to social competition that is epigenetically inherited. Mice whose ancestors experienced social competi-tion have increased fitness when competing against mice whose ancestors did not experience social competition. This response happened in just two generations and suggested a possible epigenetic mechanism. This competitive success is correlated with increased MUP (major urinary protein) expres-sion, which results in increased extra-pair mating success of males. We have used mice in seminatural environments to simulate a high density population environment; these mice experience a higher level of social competition and have been found to produce more MUPs, as it seems to attract more fe-males. Conversely monogamously caged male mice maintain a lower level of MUP expression, presum-ably due to their high cost. The purpose of the research proposed here is to determine the influence of paternal and maternal effects on MUP expression as population density and social competition fluctuate. Using a one generation reciprocal breeding design we are able to isolate each parental ef-fect separately, allowing parent of origin to be analyzed while effectively ruling out genetic selection mechanisms. The quantification of MUPs from mice of different social treatments will be done using both the Bradford assay and qPCR of MUP mRNA from the liver. These experiments will allow us to test for epigenetic inheritance of this adaptive phenotype. EPIGENETIC INHERITANCE OF MUP REGULATION IN WILD MICE DUE TO A DYNAMIC SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT Joseph Cauceglia, Adam Nelson, Ashlynn Orme, Tyler Schmauch, (Wayne Potts) Department of Biology University of Utah UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ABSTRACTS Joseph Cauceglia Wayne Potts |
