The genetics and epigenetics of animal migration and orientation: birds, butterflies and beyond

Abstract

Migration is a complex behavioural adaptation for survival that has evolved across the animal kingdom from invertebrates to mammals. In some taxa, closely related migratory species, or even populations of the same species, exhibit different migratory phenotypes, including timing and orientation of migration. In these species, a significant proportion of the phenotypic variance in migratory traits is genetic. In others, the migratory phenotype and direction is triggered by seasonal changes in the environment, suggesting an epigenetic control of their migration. The genes and epigenetic changes underpinning migratory behaviour remain largely unknown. The revolution in (epi)genomics and functional genomic tools holds great promise to rapidly move the field of migration genetics forward. Here, we review our current understanding of the genetic and epigenetic architecture of migratory traits, focusing on two emerging models: the European blackcap and the North American monarch butterfly. We also outline a vision of how technical advances and integrative approaches could be employed to identify and functionally validate candidate genes and cisregulatory elements on these and other migratory species across both small and broad phylogenetic scales to significantly advance the field of genetics of animal migration.

Avian ecological epigenetics: pitfalls and promises

“…throughout the breeding season , and therefore facilitate phenotypic flexibility, as described above. This offers opportunities for the study of many other temporarily changing traits, such as migratory phenotypes (Merlin and Liedvogel 2019).…”

Length polymorphisms at two candidate genes explain variation of migratory behaviors in blackpoll warblers (Setophaga striata)

“…Recent studies have attempted to identify candidate genes that may be linked to migration in insects, birds, and other vertebrates (Contina, Bridge, & Kelly, 2016;Delmore et al, 2015;Johnston, Paxton, Moore, Wayne, & Smith, 2016;Lemopoulos, Uusi-Heikkilä, Huusko, Vasemägi, & Vainikka, 2018;Lundberg et al, 2013Lundberg et al, , 2017Merlin & Liedvogel, 2019;Mueller, Pulido, & Kempenaers, 2011;Steinmeyer, Mueller, & Kempenaers, 2009;Zhu, Gegear, Casselman, Kanginakudru, & Reppert, 2009). Two genes that have received considerable attention, especially in regard to migratory phenology, are Clock and Adcyap1.…”

Geomagnetic field intensity as a cue for the regulation of insect migration

“…The magnetic response of positive phototaxis we found here is likely to be a result of interactions between the roles of Drosophila -like Cry1 in phototaxis and magnetoreception [1, 3, 4, 40], even though Cry2 may also function in a complex with photoreceptors or downstream in magnetoreception signaling [42]. Moreover, given that Cry2 is a component of the core circadian clock and it is reported that circadian clock is sensitive to changes in magnetic field intensity [11, 43], a Cry2 function as a potential timing mechanism for migration based on GMF intensity might also exist [44].…”