Bimodal signatures of germline methylation are linked with gene expression plasticity in the coral Acropora millepora.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In invertebrates, genes belonging to dynamically regulated functional categories appear to be less methylated than "housekeeping" genes, suggesting that DNA methylation may modulate gene expression plasticity. To date, however, experimental evidence to support this hypothesis across different natural habitats has been lacking.

Results

Gene expression profiles were generated from 30 pairs of genetically identical fragments of coral Acropora millepora reciprocally transplanted between distinct natural habitats for 3 months. Gene expression was analyzed in the context of normalized CpG content, a well-established signature of historical germline DNA methylation. Genes with weak methylation signatures were more likely to demonstrate differential expression based on bo

SUBMITTER: Dixon GB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4378018 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature