Cedric Zimmer

Jul 10, 2023 | journals.biologists.com | Leahurst Campus |Elizabeth Sheldon |Cedric Zimmer |Haley Hanson

Animals encounter many novel and unpredictable challenges when moving into new areas, including pathogen exposure. Because effective immune defenses against such threats can be costly, plastic immune responses could be particularly advantageous, as such defenses can be engaged only when context warrants activation. DNA methylation is a key regulator of plasticity via its effects on gene expression.