Local parasite pressures and host genotype modulate epigenetic diversity in a mixed-mating fish.

ABSTRACT: 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

SUBMITTER: Berbel-Filho WM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6686343 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature