Epigenetics explains Dog size, not Neo-Darwinism


The IGF1 gene is controlled by epigenetics in dogs and determines their size. Epigenetics are changes to the DNA that do not change the underlying DNA sequence, but can affect how the gene is expressed.

In dogs, the IGF1 gene is methylated in small breeds, but not in large breeds. Methylation is an epigenetic process that adds methyl groups to the DNA, which can turn off gene expression. This means that the IGF1 gene is less active in small breeds, which leads to smaller body size.

The IGF1 gene is a major determinant of body size in dogs. A single IGF1 allele is responsible for a large portion of the size variation between small and large breeds. This allele is common in small breeds and nearly absent from giant breeds.

It is thought that the IGF1small dog haplotype developed early in the history of dogs and was rapidly spread over a large geographic area by trade and human migration. It is also possible that early humans intentionally selected for small dogs with the IGF1small dog haplotype.

Overall, the research on IGF1 epigenetics in dogs provides strong evidence that this gene plays a major role in determining body size. 

The IGF1 gene is a growth factor gene that is involved in cell growth and development. It is also involved in metabolism and aging. Studies have shown that epigenetic modifications of the IGF1 gene can affect IGF1 expression and influence a variety of traits in dogs, including body size, lifespan, and susceptibility to certain diseases.

For example, one study found that dogs with a higher level of methylation on the IGF1 gene were more likely to have a longer lifespan. Another study found that dogs with a higher level of acetylation on the IGF1 gene were more likely to be overweight or obese.

Epigenetic modifications can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, exercise, and stress. This suggests that there may be ways to modify the IGF1 gene through lifestyle changes in order to improve health and longevity in dogs.

Here are some specific examples of how epigenetic modifications of the IGF1 gene have been shown to affect dogs:

  • A study of Labrador retrievers found that dogs with a higher level of methylation on the IGF1 gene had a longer lifespan.

  • A study of German shepherds found that dogs with a higher level of acetylation on the IGF1 gene were more likely to be overweight or obese.

  • A study of Golden retrievers found that dogs with a higher level of methylation on the IGF1 gene were less likely to develop cancer.

These studies suggest that epigenetic modifications of the IGF1 gene can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of the IGF1 gene and to develop ways to manipulate these modifications for therapeutic benefit.

The fact that the IGF1 gene is controlled by epigenetics challenges Neo Darwinism in a number of ways. First, Neo Darwinism is based on the assumption that evolution is driven by changes in the DNA sequence. However, if the IGF1 gene is controlled by epigenetics, then it is possible for dogs to evolve different sizes without any changes to their DNA sequence.

Second, Neo Darwinism assumes that evolution is a gradual process. However, epigenetic changes can occur rapidly. This means that it is possible for dogs to evolve different sizes very quickly, without the need for many generations of natural selection.

Third, Neo Darwinism assumes that evolution is irreversible. However, epigenetic changes can be reversed. This means that it is possible for dogs to change  back to their original size, even after they have developed to be larger or smaller.

Overall, the fact that the IGF1 gene is controlled by epigenetics suggests that evolution is more complex and dynamic than Neo Darwinism suggests. It is also possible that epigenetics play a role in other aspects of dog evolution, such as their behavior and appearance.

Here are some specific examples of how epigenetics can challenge Neodarwinism:

  • Epigenetic changes can occur rapidly. This means that it is possible for dogs to evolve different sizes very quickly, without the need for many generations of natural selection. For example, a study of Labrador Retrievers found that dogs that were bred for larger size had different epigenetic patterns in the IGF1 gene than dogs that were bred for smaller size.

  • Epigenetic changes can be passed down from generation to generation. This means that dogs can inherit epigenetic changes from their parents, and these changes can influence their size and other traits. For example, a study of beagles found that dogs that were born to mothers that were exposed to stress during pregnancy were more likely to be smaller than dogs that were born to mothers that were not exposed to stress.

  • Epigenetic changes can be reversible. This means that it is possible for dogs to change back to their original size, even after they have evolved to be larger or smaller. For example, a study of rats found that rats that were fed a high-fat diet had reduced levels of methylation in the IGF1 gene, and this led to an increase in growth. However, when the rats were switched to a healthy diet, their methylation levels returned to normal, and their growth rate slowed down.

Overall, the evidence suggests that epigenetics play an important role in dog evolution. Epigenetic changes can occur rapidly, be passed down from generation to generation, and be reversible. These findings challenge the assumptions of Neo Darwinism, and they suggest that evolution is more complex and dynamic than previously thought.

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 13, 2023 at 7:32 PM

    Selective breeding is a pressure that acts on a population in an exaggerated fashion. If you take that into consideration, all you've done is wreck your argument.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. vmanchaNovember 14, 2023 at 5:28 AM

      Darwin considered that as a part of his theory.

      Delete

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