10.5061/DRYAD.PK0P2NGMV
Sarma, Roshmi Rekha
0000-0003-3389-6416
UNSW Sydney
Crossland, Michael R
UNSW Sydney
Eyck, Harrison J.F
UNSW Sydney
DeVore, Jayna L
University of Sydney
Edwards, Richard J
UNSW Sydney
Cocomazzo, Michael
Deakin University
Zhou, Jia
UNSW Sydney
Brown, Gregory P
Macquarie University
Shine, Richard
Macquarie University
Rollins, Lee Ann
UNSW Sydney
Bisulfite sequencing (RRBS-seq): CpG methylation reports for Australian
invasive cane toads
Dryad
dataset
2021
FOS: Biological sciences
RRBS
Cane toad
Australian Research Council
https://ror.org/05mmh0f86
DP160102991
Australian Research Council
https://ror.org/05mmh0f86
DE150101393
2021-03-23T00:00:00Z
2021-03-23T00:00:00Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2020.0125
211271359569 bytes
10
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
In response to novel environments, invasive populations often evolve
rapidly. Standing genetic variation is an important predictor of
evolutionary response but epigenetic variation may also play a role. Here
we use an iconic invader, the cane toad (Rhinella marina), to investigate
how manipulating epigenetic status affects phenotypic traits. We collected
wild toads from across Australia, bred them, and experimentally
manipulated DNA methylation of the subsequent two generations (G1, G2)
through exposure to the DNA methylation inhibitor zebularine and/or
conspecific tadpole alarm cues. Direct exposure to alarm cues (an
indicator of predation risk) increased the potency of G2 tadpole chemical
cues, but this was accompanied by reductions in survival. Exposure to
alarm cues during G1 also increased the potency of G2 tadpole cues,
indicating intergenerational plasticity in this inducible defence. In
addition, the negative effects of alarm cues on tadpole viability (i.e.,
the costs of producing the inducible defence) were minimised in the second
generation. Exposure to zebularine during G1 induced similar
intergenerational effects, suggesting a role for alteration in DNA
methylation. Accordingly, we identified intergenerational shifts in DNA
methylation at some loci in response to alarm cue exposure. Substantial
demethylation occurred within the Sodium Channel Epithelial 1 Subunit
Gamma gene (SCNN1G) in alarm cue-exposed individuals and their offspring.
This gene is a key to regulation of sodium in epithelial cells and may
help to maintain the protective epidermal barrier. These data suggest that
early-life experiences of tadpoles induce intergenerational effects
through epigenetic mechanism, which enhance larval fitness.
See README.