> We must consider seriously the impact of epigenetic changes on the phenotypic variation of complex traits -- an idea that was initially proposed by Holliday in 1987 and that has been revitalized by recent observations -- and determine the part that inbreeding can play in promoting and revealing this variation. This is relevant because epigenetic and inbreeding effects are sensitive to the environment, which is also known to have a large influence on the regulation of transposable element expression. DNA methylation, DNA associated protein modifications, chromatin structure and RNA interference -- all of which are closely connected epigenetic processes -- are therefore crucial for deciphering the underlying genetic causes of inbreeding effects that occur during embryonic development and in adulthood. This should shed new light on an old problem that is still at the forefront of population genetic investigation.

Christian Biémont. Inbreeding effects in the epigenetic era.
www.nature.com/reviews/genetics

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