QMUL Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics News

Epigenetic changes can be inherited without changing DNA in animals

Sun, 31 May 2026 23:00:00 +0100

Beyond DNA: Scientists discover how traits can be passed on without genetic changes. In a new study by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, a sea anemone has revealed that epigenetic changes can be inherited across generations, offering rare experimental evidence that information beyond DNA sequence can persist in animal lineages. Typically, the information encoded in DNA allows organisms to develop, function and pass traits across generations. Yet DNA alone does not explain how genes are switched on and off in different cells and environments. This regulation is partly controlled by other factors called epigenetics, such as DNA methylation, a chemical modification that can influence gene activity without changing the genetic code itself. In mammals, most epigenetic information is erased after fertilisation (when the sperm and egg fuse), preventing the widespread inheritance of acquired epigenetic states between generations. However, this type of resetting appears to be absent in the invertebrate animals, such as worms, corals, sea anemones or sea urchins. In this study, the scientists experimentally removed DNA methylation in a sea anemone (Nematostella vectensis) to test what happens when these epigenetic patterns are disrupted. Surprisingly, animals developed normally despite losing most of their DNA methylation. Rather than causing major defects in gene regulation, methylation loss mainly unleashed hidden "jumping genes" or "selfish genes", embedded within active genes. If left unchecked, these genetic parasites can insert themselves into important genes and regulatory regions, potentially disrupting normal development and threatening genome stability. Dr Alex de Mendoza, Reader in Evolutionary Epigenomics at Queen Mary explains: "Because these animals lack the extensive epigenetic resetting that occurs after fertilisation in mammals, some abnormal methylation states persisted in the offspring. These inherited epigenetic changes altered how genes are switched on in the next generation, demonstrating that experimentally induced epigenetic variation can be transmitted across generations in an animal." The findings suggest that the ancestral role of DNA methylation in animals was not primarily to regulate gene expression, but to protect active genes from disruptive jumping genes. In mammals, this same molecular system has since been recruited for a wide range of functions, including regulating development and silencing one of the two X chromosomes in females. The study therefore provides a glimpse into the evolutionary origins of important regulatory systems. Moreover, the work also reveals how incomplete epigenetic resetting can allow heritable variation to persist across generations without requiring genetic changes, providing potential raw material for evolutionary change. This work shows how more ancient systems of gene regulation can transmit information through generations. 'Gene body methylation suppresses intragenic transcription and permits epigenetic inheritance in a cnidarian', published in Nature Ecology & Evolutionan can be accessed here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-026-03090-6

Tropical butterflies "hedge their bets" with mating tactics to adapt to extreme seasons

Mon, 25 May 2026 23:00:00 +0100

Butterfly reproduction findings provide key insights into how climate crisis might affect tropical ecosystems. New research from Queen Mary University of London shows how extreme seasonal patterns are causing rainforest butterflies to adapt their reproductive strategies at a rapid pace, with implications for species resilience under accelerating climate disruption. The researchers, led by PhD student Marcus Hicks under supervision by Dr Vicencio Oostra at Queen Mary, studied the reproductive patterns of brush-footed butterflies (the family Nymphalidae) in a seasonal rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon. They collaborated closely with co-authors at the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon's Finca Las Piedras field station in southeastern Peru, at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Lund University, and the University of Nottingham. Their findings have been published in Ecology Letters. Large parts of the Amazon experience strongly seasonal rainfall and a pronounced, annual dry season, but the way in which insects respond to these seasonal changes has so far been studied very little. Hicks and his colleagues documented for the first time how the reproductive behaviour of nymphalids changes with the seasons in the Amazon. This is described as 'seasonal reproductive plasticity', where non-genetic variations, like changes in the local climate, result in a change in a species' traits, such as development or behaviour.  'Surprising variation' in reproductive strategies They focused on two butterfly species in the genus Catonephele and found that, whilst both species reduced egg production during the dry season, only one of the species underwent a 'reproductive diapause', meaning that adult females stopped developing eggs and reduced their mating activity. The other species continued to mate and reproduce, albeit at a reduced rate. The reproductive patterns in both species seemed to be driven by the maximum daily temperature, showing how the same cue can produce different developmental and behavioural outcomes in closely related species. Hicks said: "We were surprised to see so much variation in reproductive strategies across this group of butterflies, even within the same populations. In temperate butterflies you'd expect to see diapause in almost 100% of individuals in the winter. "One explanation could be that these butterflies are hedging their bets to help them navigate increasingly variable conditions in the tropics. It may be helpful for them to 'play both sides', with some butterflies continuing to reproduce, and others taking a break during the dry season." A 'vital step forward' in understanding how insects respond to seasonal changes in the tropics The study's findings reinforce how seasonality is a key driver of flexible adaptations in the timing of reproduction. This carries implications for the evolution of many traits in the South American tropics. Hicks continued, "To me, this study represents a vital step forward in our understanding of how Amazonian insects respond to seasonal environments. As the rapid impacts of anthropogenic climate change become more pronounced, we are likely to see severe changes to these seasonal patterns in the Amazon. "Given the great ecological and economic significance of insects, understanding how they will respond to these changes is of utmost importance for ensuring future ecosystem health and resilience." University of Nottingham PhD student Jamal Kabir, who contributed to butterfly field collections and early sample processing in the Peruvian Amazon, said "Understanding how tropical insects respond to changing seasonal conditions is becoming increasingly valuable as climate change alters rainfall and temperature patterns across the Amazon."

Alex de Mendoza is awarded an ERC consolidator

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Dr Alex de Mendoza has been awarded a prestigious ERC Consolidator grant by the European Research Council to study the evolution and endogenisation of giant viruses in eukaryotic cells. Visit Dr de Mendoza's website to learn more and check out their latest publication on the topic.

'Project Psyche' aims to sequence the genomes of all 11,665 European butterfly and moth species

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

A team from Queen Mary University of London - School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has been taking part in a global project that aims to sequence the genomes of all 11,665 European butterfly and moth species. 'Project Psyche' involves researchers, taxonomists, policymakers and citizen scientists from all over the world, and has already sequenced 1,000 genomes. The dataset, freely available to all, will help scientists investigate evolution, climate change resilience and food security issues. Queen Mary PhD students Marcus H. and Jenny Stewart, from the lab of Dr Vicencio Oostra are participating in the Project Psyche consortium, representing early career researchers and working on media and communications respectively. Meanwhile, PhD student Yuqian (Arina) Huang and Post-Doc Dr Madeleine Carruthers have also contributed to sample collection for the project in Cambridgeshire. Marcus Hicks said: "We are incredibly excited to be involved in the scientific discoveries that are made possible with the resources created by Project Psyche, and hope that it inspires similar initiatives across other continents." He also noted that diversity has been a key strength of the project. "Project Psyche has stood out to me as an international consortium committed to listening to and incorporating ideas from a truly diverse range of people," he went on. "With women in key leadership roles, members from across Europe, and individuals at various stages of their scientific careers, the project fosters inclusivity at every level. Its rapid success and growth are a testament to how an accepting and inclusive working environment can drive ground-breaking scientific progress." Butterflies and moths, collectively known as Lepidoptera, are major players in ecosystems all around the world. They also act as biodiversity and climate change indicators as they react quickly to environmental changes or habitat degradation. This means that a decline in butterfly numbers can serve as an early warning for wider losses in wildlife. Comparing the genomes of species that have disappeared, are declining, or are stable or growing can help us understand how environmental changes and human activities affect insect diversity and distribution. The project published a new white paper in Trends in Ecology & Evolution called 'Project Psyche: reference genomes for all Lepidoptera in Europe'. It details how the genomes of all butterflies and moths can aid nature conservation, transform our understanding of evolution and uncover new ways of tackling agricultural pests.

Dr de Mendoza secures a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Dr de Mendoza, Reader in Bioinformatics, has been granted a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award to investigate the role of 6mA DNA methylation in eukaryotes and its potential biotechnological implications. Combining mammalian with unicellular eukaryotes, the project promises to transform our views on the evolution of genome regulation. Congrats, Alex!

The genomics of arrow worms decoded!

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 23:00:00 +0100

An international group of researchers lead by Dr Piovani and Dr Marlétaz at UCL, in collaboration with Dr de Mendoza and Dr Martin-Duran from QMUL, has generated the first chromosome-level genome assembly for a chaetognath (arrow worm), an enigmatic animal group. Combining multiple functional genomic approaches, the researchers identified that chaetognath-specific genomic innovation underpins the evolution of many of the unique morphological and genomic traits of these fascinating worms.

The Centre supports the UK EvoDevo meeting

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0100

The Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics has proudly sponsored the organisation of the UK EvoDevo meeting. This national one-day meeting drew around 170 participants from across the UK and internationally. With two keynote speakers, 12 oral contributions and nearly 40 posters, the UK EvoDevo brought together a diverse research community working on understanding how animals and plants form and change through evolutionary history.

Centre Away Day at the Linnean Society

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0100

The Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics has had its first Away Day at the Linnean Society of London. We have used this day to discuss our strengths and future, as well as the steps and strategies we need to pursue to continue growing the Centre into a renowned hub for genomic research.

UK Ash Trees Evolve to Resist Dieback

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0100

Research (published in Science) led by Profs Richard Nichols and Richard Buggs has uncovered early-stage signs of natural resistance to ash dieback—a fungal disease expected to kill half of the UK's 80 million ash trees. By comparing the DNA of older trees, present before the fungus arrived in 2012, with younger saplings, the team identified subtle genetic shifts across thousands of locations around the ash genome. These shifts suggest that the natural selection is favouring variants that confer greater disease resistance in young trees regenerating on the woodland flour under the dying mature trees. This adaptive response offers hope that future generations will be able to enjoy ash woodlands, and the research will be used to design human interventions to accelerate the adaptation, including avoiding unnecessary felling to maintain the populations' genetic diversity. The Guardian and the BBC reported on this story.