How Domestication Changes the DNA of Seabass and Their Adaptation to Captivity

Jenn Hoskins
5th December, 2024

How Domestication Changes the DNA of Seabass and Their Adaptation to Captivity

European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Photo adapted from: Juan Baz / CC BY SA (Source)

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki studied the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms behind the domestication of European seabass
  • They identified 96 candidate genes and nine CpG islands, suggesting epigenetic influences in the domestication process
  • The study found that enzymes involved in oxidative stress responses and chromatin organization play crucial roles in seabass adaptation
Global climate change is driving rapid environmental changes that pose significant threats to biodiversity. Understanding how organisms adapt to these changes is crucial for conservation efforts[2]. Recent advances in genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic technologies have provided unprecedented insights into the evolutionary processes and molecular bases of adaptation. A recent study conducted by researchers at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has provided new insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the domestication of European seabass[1]. The study analyzed approximately 600,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a Pool-Seq experiment, comparing eight natural-origin and 12 farmed populations of European seabass in the Mediterranean Sea region. By using two genome scan approaches, the researchers identified 96 candidate genes, including nine CpG islands, which suggest potential epigenetic influences. CpG islands are regions of DNA with a high frequency of cytosine and guanine nucleotides adjacent to each other. These regions are often associated with gene regulatory elements and can be subject to epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation. The identification of CpG islands in the study highlights the potential role of epigenetic regulation in the domestication process. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can influence gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence[3]. The most significantly overrepresented molecular function identified in the study was "oxidoreductase activity," which involves enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions. This finding aligns with previous research indicating that enzymes involved in oxidative stress responses play a crucial role in adaptation to environmental changes[2]. Additionally, the study identified a dense network of interactions connecting 22 of the candidate genes. The most significantly enriched pathways within this network were involved in "chromatin organization," suggesting another potential epigenetic mechanism. Chromatin organization refers to the arrangement of DNA and histone proteins into a compact structure within the nucleus. This arrangement can influence gene expression by regulating the accessibility of DNA to transcriptional machinery. The involvement of chromatin organization pathways in the study indicates that epigenetic regulation may play a crucial role in the domestication of European seabass. The findings of this study underscore the utility of interactome-assisted pathway analysis in elucidating the genomic architecture of polygenic traits. By identifying broader functional overlaps and understanding the integrated genetic architecture underlying domestication-related traits, the researchers have provided valuable insights into the evolutionary mechanisms at play. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering both genetic and epigenetic factors in understanding adaptation processes. While previous research has primarily focused on the genetic basis of adaptation, this study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that integrates multiple levels of biological information[2][3]. Such an approach can provide a more comprehensive understanding of how species respond to environmental changes and inform conservation strategies. In conclusion, the study conducted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki provides new insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the domestication of European seabass. By identifying candidate genes and CpG islands associated with domestication-related traits, the researchers have highlighted the potential role of epigenetic regulation in this process. These findings contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms underlying adaptation and underscore the importance of integrating genomic and epigenomic data in future research.

GeneticsAnimal ScienceMarine Biology

References

Main Study

1) Genomic Signatures of Domestication in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) Reveal a Potential Role for Epigenetic Regulation in Adaptation to Captivity.

Published 4th December, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70512

Related Studies

2) Genomics for monitoring and understanding species responses to global climate change.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-023-00657-y

3) Epigenetics in teleost fish: From molecular mechanisms to physiological phenotypes.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2018.01.006


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