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Comparative genetic and epigenetic diversity in pairs of sympatric, closely related plants with contrasting distribution ranges in south-eastern Iberian mountains.

ABSTRACT: Genetic diversity defines the evolutionary potential of a species, yet mounting evidence suggests that epigenetic diversity could also contribute to adaptation. Elucidating the complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic variation in wild populations remains a challenge for evolutionary biologists, and the intriguing possibility that epigenetic diversity could compensate for the loss of genetic diversity is one aspect that remains basically unexplored in wild plants. This hypothesis is addressed in this paper by comparing the extent and patterns of genetic and epigenetic diversity of phylogenetically closely related but ecologically disparate species. Seven pairs of congeneric species from Cazorla mountains in south-eastern Spain were studied, each pair consisting of one endemic, restricted-range species associated to stressful environments, and one widespread species occupying more favourable habitats. The prediction was tested that endemic species should have lower genetic diversity due to population fragmentation, and higher epigenetic diversity induced by environmental stress, than their widespread congeners. Genetic (DNA sequence variants) and epigenetic (DNA cytosine methylation variants) diversities and their possible co-variation were assessed in three populations of each focal species using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation-sensitive AFLP (MSAP). All species and populations exhibited moderate to high levels of genetic polymorphism irrespective of their ecological characteristics. Epigenetic diversity was greater than genetic diversity in all cases. Only in endemic species were the two variables positively related, but the difference between epigenetic and genetic diversity was greater at populations with low genetic polymorphism. Results revealed that the relationship between genetic and epigenetic diversity can be more complex than envisaged by the simple hypothesis addressed in this study, and highlight the need of additional research on the actual role of epigenetic variation as a source of phenotypic diversity before a realistic understanding of the evolutionary relevance of epigenetic phenomena in plant adaptation can be achieved.

SUBMITTER: Medrano M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7246305 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Comparative genetic and epigenetic diversity in pairs of sympatric, closely related plants with contrasting distribution ranges in south-eastern Iberian mountains.

Medrano Mónica M Alonso Conchita C Bazaga Pilar P López Esmeralda E Herrera Carlos M CM

AoB PLANTS 20200408 3

Genetic diversity defines the evolutionary potential of a species, yet mounting evidence suggests that epigenetic diversity could also contribute to adaptation. Elucidating the complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic variation in wild populations remains a challenge for evolutionary biologists, and the intriguing possibility that epigenetic diversity could compensate for the loss of genetic diversity is one aspect that remains basically unexplored in wild plants. This hypothesis is addr ...[more]

PMID: 32477484

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Project description:Assessments regarding health aspects of Iberian leuciscids are limited. There is currently an information gap regarding effects of infectious diseases on these populations and their role as a possible conservation threat. Moreover, differences in susceptibility to particular agents, such as Aeromonas spp., by different species/populations is not clear. To understand potential differences in Aeromonas diversity and load, as well as in the prevalence and proportion of skin lesions, in fishes exposed to similar environmental conditions, an observational study was implemented. Using a set of 12 individuals belonging to two sympatric Iberian leuciscid species (Squalius pyrenaicus and Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum), the skin lesion score in each individual was analyzed. Furthermore, a bacterial collection of Aeromonas spp. isolated from each individual was created and isolates' load was quantified by plate counting, identified at species level using a multiplex-PCR assay and virulence profiles established using classical phenotypic methods. The similarity relationships of the isolates were evaluated using a RAPD analysis. The skin lesion score was significantly higher in S. pyrenaicus, while the Aeromonas spp. load did not differ between species. When analyzing Aeromonas species diversity between fishes, different patterns were observed. A predominance of A. hydrophila was detected in S. pyrenaicus individuals, while I. lusitanicum individuals displayed a more diverse structure. Similarly, the virulence index of isolates from S. pyrenaicus was higher, mostly due to the isolated Aeromonas species. Genomic typing clustered the isolates mainly by fish species and skin lesion score. Specific Aeromonas clusters were associated with higher virulence indexes. Current results suggest potential differences in susceptibility to Aeromonas spp. at the fish species/individual level, and constitute important knowledge for proper wildlife management through the signalization of at-risk fish populations and hierarchization of conservation measures.

Dataset Information

Comparative genetic and epigenetic diversity in pairs of sympatric, closely related plants with contrasting distribution ranges in south-eastern Iberian mountains.

Publications

Comparative genetic and epigenetic diversity in pairs of sympatric, closely related plants with contrasting distribution ranges in south-eastern Iberian mountains.

Similar Datasets

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