The role of salinity on genome-wide DNA methylation dynamics in European sea bass gills

IHPE researchers published in Septembre in Molecular Ecology, a study that reveals novel aspects on the link of DNA methylation and gene expression patterns. It further confirms the paradigm that epigenetic modifications generate phenotypic diversity in fish and ultimately lead to adaptive evolutionary processes.

"In this work, IHPE through a collaboration with MARBEC, adressed the question of salinity acclimation in the seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, a euryhaline marine species that migrate between salinity contrasted habitats.

A significant effect of salinity on DNA methylation dynamics with an overall DNA hypomethylation in freshwater-transferred fish compared to seawater controls was demonstrated. We further show a negative correlation between gene expression levels and DNA methylation levels in promoters, first introns and exons.

Overall, this study reveals novel aspects on the link of DNA methylation and gene expression patterns. It further confirms the paradigm that epigenetic modifications generate phenotypic diversity in fish and ultimately lead to adaptive evolutionary processes."

See also

Eva Blondeau-Bidet, Ghizlane Banousse, Thibaut L’Honoré, Emilie Farcy, Céline Cosseau, Catherine Lorin-Nebel
Molecular Ecology, Volume32, Issue18, September 2023, https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17089 
The role of salinity on genome-wide DNA methylation dynamics in European sea bass gills

Modification date : 25 January 2024 | Publication date : 25 January 2024 | Redactor : Tulip Communication, Céline Cosseau