DNA methylation networks underlying mammalian traits

Abstract

Using DNA methylation profiles (<i>n</i> = 15,456) from 348 mammalian species, we constructed phyloepigenetic trees that bear marked similarities to traditional phylogenetic ones. Using unsupervised clustering across all samples, we identified 55 distinct cytosine modules, of which 30 are related to traits such as maximum life span, adult weight, age, sex, and human mortality risk. Maximum life span is associated with methylation levels in <i>HOXL</i> subclass homeobox genes and developmental processes and is potentially regulated by pluripotency transcription factors. The methylation state of some modules responds to perturbations such as caloric restriction, ablation of growth hormone receptors, consumption of high-fat diets, and expression of Yamanaka factors. This study reveals an intertwined evolution of the genome and epigenome that mediates the biological characteristics and traits of different mammalian species.

Knowledge graph centered on DNA methylation networks underlying mammalian trai with 36 nodes and 161 connections. Top connected: Universal DNA methylation age across mammalian tis, Pekania pennanti, Daniel T. Blumstein, small mammals, Perymiscus species.

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