Between-generation phenotypic and epigenetic stability in a clonal snail
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Epigenetic variation might play an important role in generating adaptive phenotypes by underpinning within-generation developmental plasticity, persistent maternal effects of the environment (e.g., trans-generational plasticity), or heritable epigenetically based polymorphism. These adaptive mechanisms should be most critical in organisms where sources of variation are limited. Consequently, using a clonally reproducing freshwater snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), we examined the plasticity of an adaptive phenotype (shell shape) and of DNA methylation between generations by experimentally manipulating the current-speed environment in the lab. By comparing three generations of lab-reared snails with reference field populations, we showed that habitat-specific adaptive shell shape is stable across one generation, and adaptively responds gradually over two subsequent generations. We also showed that DNA methylation specific to high-current environments was stable across one generation. Together these observations suggest that shell shape variation is at least in part determined by transgenerational plasticity and that DNA methylation provides a potential mechanism.
ORGANISM(S): Potamopyrgus antipodarum
PROVIDER: GSE144681 | GEO | 2020/04/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
ACCESS DATA