DNA methylation associates with sex-specific effects of experimentally increased yolk testosterone in wild nestlings

Abstract

Maternal hormones can profoundly impact offspring physiology and behaviour in sex-dependent ways. Yet little is known on the molecular mechanisms linking these maternal effects to offspring phenotypes. DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism, is suggested to facilitate maternal androgens’ effects. To assess whether phenotypic changes induced by maternal androgens associate with DNA methylation changes, we experimentally manipulated yolk testosterone levels in wild great tit eggs (Parus major) and quantified phenotypic and DNA methylation changes in the hatched offspring. Increased yolk testosterone levels decreased the begging probability, emphasised sex-differences in fledging mass and affected methylation at 763 CpG sites, but always in a sex-specific way. These sites associated with genes involved in growth, oxidative stress and reproduction, suggesting sex-specific trade-offs to balance the costs and benefits of exposure to high yolk testosterone levels. Future studies should assess if these effects extend beyond the nestling stage and impact fitness.