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Plasticity, Robutness and Epigenesis
Emeritus Professor: Sir
Patrick Bateson
Understanding the ways in which information, embedded in the
genome, interacts with internal and external forces to become
the characteristics of the whole individual is a key priority
for post-genomics research. This research focuses on the interaction
of these genetic instructions within the genome and the cellular
environment, within the ecological and cultural contexts of
the growing individual, and within the historical and demographic
background of the populations to whom the individuals belong.
It proposes to bring together anthropological and zoological
research that directly addresses the evolutionary biology
of human development under a single post-genomics programme,
and thus foster this integrative phase of the biological sciences. |
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Background
and Current Research
Early experience has a profound effect
upon the developing organism. At one extreme, development
can be pathologically disrupted by exogenous environmental
stimuli (e.g. toxins, disease) leading to dysfunctional outcomes,
especially if these insults occur at critical periods such
as during embryogenesis. At the other extreme, through a process
known as developmental plasticity, alternative adult phenotypes
may be induced that are adapted to the early life environment
or the adult environment predicted by the early environment.
This is likely to have been particularly important during
mammalian evolution where the foetus is able to predict its
future postnatal environment and alter its development accordingly
based upon maternal cues transferred via the placenta. Such
adaptations are likely to be due to epigenetic changes occurring
during sensitive periods in development. Alternatively, such
early environmental challenges may be immediately compensated
for in the short-term but at some cost to the longer-term
fitness of the adult organism, a phenomenon known as 'coping'.
In such instances, the adult phenotypes may be adaptive, pathological
or neutral.
My empirical research was focused upon developmental plasticity, especially behavioural imprinting in birds and more recently on epigenetics in mice. After retirement, I stopped data collection in the laboratory and have concentrated on writing wide-ranging reviews about development, evolution and anim al welfare. I have also been involved in two enquiries.
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Selected
Publications
Bateson, P. (2012) The impact of the organism on its decendants. Genetics Research International 272: 671-677.
Bateson, P. (2011) Ethical debates about animal suffering and the use of animals in research. Journal of Consciousness Studies 18: 196-208.
Bateson, P. (2011) Review of Research using Non-Human Primates. London: Wellcome Trust.
Bateson, P. and Gluckman, P. (2011) Plasticity, Robustness, Development and Evolution. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Bateson, P. (2010) The evolution of evolutionary theory.European Review 18: 287-296.
Bateson, P. (2010) Independent Enquiry into Dog Breeding. London: Dogs Trust.
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