International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 290-296 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 290 Review and Progress Open Access Epigenetics in Pet Breeding: Current Insights and Future Perspectives Wei Liu, Xinghao Li, Jia Xuan Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: jia.xuan@jicat.org International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0027 Received: 13 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 25 Sep., 2024 Published: 18 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu W., Li X.H., and Xuan J., 2024, Epigenetics in pet breeding: current insights and future perspectives, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(5): 290-296 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0027) Abstract Epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression without alterations to the DNA sequence, has emerged as a critical field in animal breeding. Its relevance to pet breeding lies in its potential to influence breed characteristics, health, and genetic diversity. This study explores current insights into epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, and how they are shaped by environmental factors. The role of epigenetic regulation in selecting desirable traits and enhancing disease resistance in pets is examined, alongside a case study illustrating its application in a specific breed. Furthermore, this study addresses the challenges of integrating epigenetics into breeding practices, including technical hurdles, ethical considerations, and regulatory concerns. Future perspectives suggest that personalized breeding, informed by epigenetic data, could revolutionize the field. Ultimately, understanding and applying epigenetic knowledge in pet breeding will contribute to healthier, more resilient animals while maintaining genetic diversity. Keywords Epigenetics; Pet breeding; Genetic diversity; Disease resistance; Personalized breeding 1 Introduction Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence (Jiang et al., 2004). These changes can be transmitted through cell divisions and can be influenced by various factors such as environmental conditions, developmental stages, and lifestyle choices (Ashe et al., 2021). Key mechanisms of epigenetic regulation include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA interactions, which collectively contribute to the dynamic regulation of gene activity (Delcuve et al., 2009; Sr, 2022). In animal breeding, epigenetics plays a crucial role by influencing phenotypic traits that are not solely determined by genetic sequences. Epigenetic modifications can affect traits such as growth rate, disease resistance, and behavior, which are important for the selection and breeding of pets (Iwasaki and Paszkowski, 2014). Understanding these mechanisms allows breeders to make more informed decisions, potentially leading to healthier and more resilient animals. Moreover, epigenetic changes can be induced by environmental factors, making it possible to tailor breeding practices to optimize desirable traits (Abdul et al., 2017; Akhter et al., 2021). Pet breeding practices have traditionally focused on selecting animals with desirable genetic traits to produce offspring with similar characteristics. This involves careful selection of breeding pairs based on pedigree, physical attributes, and health status. However, modern breeding practices are increasingly incorporating genetic and epigenetic information to enhance the predictability and success of breeding programs. Techniques such as genomic selection and epigenetic profiling are being used to identify and propagate favorable traits while minimizing the risk of hereditary diseases (Portela and Esteller, 2010; Bednarczyk et al., 2021). This study explores the current status and future prospects of epigenetics in pet breeding, including an understanding of the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, their impact on phenotypic traits, and how these insights can be applied to improve breeding practices, aiming to identify potential areas for future research and development in the field of epigenetics as it relates to animal breeding.
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