Developmental stress does not induce genome‐wide DNA methylation changes in wild great tit (Parus major) nestlings

• DOI: 10.1111/mec.16973
• Publication Date: 2023-05-08T09:20:35Z
• Authors: Bernice Sepers; A. Christa Mateman; Fleur Gawehns; Koen J. F. Verhoeven; Kees van Oers
• Keywords: CpG site

Abstract The environment experienced during early life is a crucial factor in the of many organisms. This has been shown to have profound effects on morphology, physiology and fitness. However, molecular mechanisms that mediate these are largely unknown, even though they essential for our understanding processes induce phenotypic variation natural populations. DNA methylation an epigenetic mechanism suggested explain such environmentally induced changes life. To investigate whether associated with experimentally developmental effects, we cross‐fostered great tit ( Parus major ) nestlings manipulated their brood sizes study population. We assessed experimental size pre‐fledging biometry behaviour. linked this genome‐wide levels CpG sites erythrocyte DNA, using 122 individuals improved epiGBS2 laboratory protocol. Brood enlargement caused stress negatively affected nestling condition, predominantly second half breeding season, when conditions harsher. enlargement, however, only one site if hatch date was taken into account. In conclusion, shows nutritional enlarged broods does not associate direct methylation. Future studies should assess may arise later as consequence development.