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The role of salinity on genome-wide DNA methylation dynamics in European sea bass gills
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  • Eva Blondeau-Bidet,
  • Ghizlane Banousse,
  • Thibaut L'Honoré,
  • Emilie Farcy,
  • Céline Cosseau,
  • Catherine Lorin-Nebel
Eva Blondeau-Bidet
CNRS
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Ghizlane Banousse
Université de Montpellier
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Thibaut L'Honoré
Université de Montpellier
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Emilie Farcy
Université de Montpellier
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Céline Cosseau
Université de Perpignan Via Domitia
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Catherine Lorin-Nebel
University of Montpellier

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Epigenetic modifications, like DNA methylation, generate phenotypic diversity in fish and ultimately lead to adaptive evolutionary processes. Euryhaline marine species that migrate between salinity contrasted habitats have received little attention regarding the role of salinity on whole-genome DNA methylation. Investigation of salinity-induced DNA methylation in fish will help to better understand the potential role of this process in salinity acclimation. Using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, we compared DNA methylation patterns in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles in seawater and after freshwater transfer. We targeted the gill as a crucial organ involved in plastic responses to environmental changes. To investigate the function of DNA methylation in gills, we performed RNAseq and assessed DNA methylome-transcriptome correlations. We showed a negative correlation between gene expression levels and DNA methylation levels in promoters, first introns and exons. A significant effect of salinity on DNA methylation dynamics with an overall DNA hypomethylation in freshwater-transferred fish compared to seawater controls was demonstrated. This suggests a role of DNA methylation changes in salinity acclimation. Genes involved in key functions as metabolism, ion transport and transepithelial permeability (junctional complexes) were differentially methylated and expressed between salinity conditions. Expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism was increased as well as the expression of DNA methyltransferases 3a. This study reveals novel aspects on the link of DNA methylation and gene expression patterns.
06 Apr 2023Submitted to Molecular Ecology
08 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
08 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
08 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 May 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
10 Jun 20231st Revision Received
13 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
13 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
13 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
03 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
05 Jul 20232nd Revision Received
19 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
19 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Accept