Experimental Parasite Infection Causes Genome-Wide Changes in DNA Methylation.

ABSTRACT: Parasites are arguably among the strongest drivers of natural selection, constraining hosts to evolve resistance and tolerance mechanisms. Although, the genetic basis of adaptation to parasite infection has been widely studied, little is known about how epigenetic changes contribute to parasite resistance and eventually, adaptation. Here, we investigated the role of host DNA methylation modifications to respond to parasite infections. In a controlled infection experiment, we used the three-spined stickleback fish, a model species for host-parasite studies, and their nematode parasite Camallanus lacustris. We showed that the levels of DNA methylation are higher in infected fish. Results furthermore suggest correlations between DNA methylation and shifts in key fitness and immune traits betw

SUBMITTER: Sagonas K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7531312 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature