Abstract
Different environmental factors could induce epigenetic changes, which are likely involved in the biological invasion process. Some of these factors are driven by humans as, for example, the pollution and deliberate or accidental introductions and others are due to natural conditions such as salinity. In this study, we have analysed the relationship between different stress factors: time in the new location, pollution and salinity with the methylation changes that could be involved in the invasive species tolerance to new environments. For this purpose, we have analysed two different mussels’ species, reciprocally introduced in antipode areas: the Mediterranean blue mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the New Zealand pygmy mussel Xenostrobus securis, widely recognized invaders outside their native distribution ranges. The demetylathion was higher in more stressed population, supporting the idea of epigenetic is involved in plasticity process. These results can open a new management protocols, using the epigenetic signals as potential pollution monitoring tool. We could use these epigenetic marks to recognise the invasive status in a population and determine potential biopollutants.
Highlights
Epigenetics, or chemical signatures of DNA that can activate or silence genes (methylation[1,2] or histones), are rapid mechanisms of response of Eukaryotes to environmental challenges[5,6]
We have tested the hypothesis of decreased global methylation as a mechanism for easing tolerance to stress conditions, including early invasion phases, in two model species: the Mediterranean blue mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the New Zealand pygmy mussel Xenostrobus securis
In total 15, 21, 25 and 29 X. securis and 24, 26, 10 and 23 M. galloprovincialis individuals were analysed from Havelock, Nelson, Vidourle and Aviles populations respectively
Summary
Epigenetics, or chemical signatures of DNA that can activate or silence genes (methylation[1,2] or histones (acethylation/de-acethylation3,4)), are rapid mechanisms of response of Eukaryotes to environmental challenges[5,6]. The newly introduced specimens are likely to be exposed to pollution (as settlement often takes place in disturbed areas such as ports) or the recipient area may not be within the optimal environmental range of the species Those having better adaptation mechanisms have higher chances of survival, establishing a thriving population and conquering the ecosystem[28,29,30]. We have tested the hypothesis of decreased global methylation as a mechanism for easing tolerance to stress conditions, including early invasion phases, in two model species: the Mediterranean blue mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the New Zealand pygmy mussel Xenostrobus securis These species are widely recognized invaders outside their native distribution ranges[31,32,33,34,35]. Such ecological resemblance allowed us to expect similarity in their adaptation mechanisms and epigenetic responses to environmental changes
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