Epigenetic signatures of invasive status in populations of marine invertebrates

• DOI: 10.1038/srep42193
• Publication Date: 2017-02-16T10:25:01Z
• Authors: Alba Ardura; Anastasija Zaiko; Paloma Morán; Serge Planes; Eva Garcia-Vazquez
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Aquatic Organisms; [SDE.MCG]Environmental Sciences/Global Changes; Article; Epigenesis, Genetic; 03 medical and health sciences; Neoplasms; Animals; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; Humans; 14. Life underwater; Phylogeny; Principal Component Analysis; [SDV.GEN.GPO]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Genetics/Populations and Evolution [q-bio.PE]; Invasive species; Genetic Variation; Polychaeta; DNA; DNA Methylation; 15. Life on land; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating; Founder Effect; Bivalvia; Europe; [SDV.GEN.GA]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Genetics/Animal genetics; Phylogeography; [SDE.BE]Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology; Introduced Species; Animal Distribution; New Zealand

Abstract Epigenetics, as a DNA signature that affects gene expression and enables rapid reaction of an organism to environmental changes, is likely involved in the process biological invasions. methylation epigenetic mechanism common plants animals for regulating expression. In this study we show, first time any marine species, significant reduction global levels during expansive phase pygmy mussel ( Xenostrobus securis ) recent invasion Europe (two-year old), while older introductions such was progressively reduced. Decreased interpreted way increasing phenotypic plasticity would help invasive populations thrive. This early stronger than expected stress younger sampled from ports, otherwise detected much population (>90 year old) also tubeworm Ficopomatus enigmaticus established similar locations. Higher genetic diversity found X. confirmed F. samples. As reported introduced vertebrates, variation could compensate relatively lower caused by founder effects. These phenomena were compared with mechanisms metastasis, parallel processes community (biological invasion) (cancer)