Open AccessLocal parasite pressures and host genotype modulate epigenetic diversity in a mixed‐mating fish
Author(s) -
BerbelFilho Waldir M.,
Garcia de Leaniz Carlos,
Morán Paloma,
Cable Joanne,
Lima Sergio M. Q.,
Consuegra Sofia
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.5426
Subject(s) - biology , selfing , genetic diversity , genetic variation , evolutionary biology , inbreeding , dna methylation , population , genetics , epigenetics , gene , gene expression , demography , sociology
Parasite‐mediated selection is one of the main drivers of genetic variation in natural populations. The persistence of long‐term self‐fertilization, however, challenges the notion that low genetic variation and inbreeding compromise the host's ability to respond to pathogens. DNA methylation represents a potential mechanism for generating additional adaptive variation under low genetic diversity. We compared genetic diversity (microsatellites and AFLPs), variation in DNA methylation (MS‐AFLPs), and parasite loads in three populations of Kryptolebias hermaphroditus , a predomintanly self‐fertilizing fish, to analyze the potential adaptive value of DNA methylation in relation to genetic diversity and parasite loads. We found strong genetic population structuring, as well as differences in parasite loads and methylation levels among sampling sites and selfing lineages. Globally, the interaction between parasites and inbreeding with selfing lineages influenced DNA methylation, but parasites seemed more important in determining methylation levels at the local scale.