Evolution of Epistatic Networks and the Genetic Basis of Innate Behaviors

Publication date: Available online 7 November 2019Source: Trends in GeneticsAuthor(s): Robert R.H. AnholtInstinctive behaviors are genetically programmed behaviors that occur independent of experience. How genetic programs that give rise to the manifestation of such behaviors evolve remains an unresolved question. I propose that evolution of species-specific innate behaviors is accomplished through progressive modifications of pre-existing genetic networks composed of allelic variants. I hypothesize that changes in frequencies of one or more constituent allelic variants within the network leads to changes in gene network connectivity and the emergence of a reorganized network that can support the emergence of a novel behavioral phenotype and becomes stabilized when key allelic variants are driven to fixation.

Source: Trends in Genetics - November 7, 2019 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research