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Aykanat T, McLennan D, Metcalfe NB, Prokkola JM. Early survival in Atlantic salmon is associated with parental genotypes at loci linked to timing of maturation. Evolution 2024; 78:1441-1452. [PMID: 38736399 DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpae072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Large effect loci often contain genes with critical developmental functions and potentially broad effects across life stages. However, their life stage-specific fitness consequences are rarely explored. In Atlantic salmon, variation in two large-effect loci, six6 and vgll3, is linked to age at maturity and several physiological and behavioral traits in early life. By genotyping the progeny of wild Atlantic salmon that were planted into natural streams with nutrient manipulations, we tested if genetic variation in these loci is associated with survival in early life. We found that higher early-life survival was linked to the genotype associated with late maturation in the vgll3, but with early maturation in the six6 locus. These effects were significant in high nutrients but not in low-nutrient streams. The differences in early survival were not explained by additive genetic effects in the offspring generation but by maternal genotypes in the six6 locus and by both parents' genotypes in the vgll3 locus. Our results suggest that indirect genetic effects of large-effect loci can be significant determinants of offspring fitness. This study demonstrates an intriguing case of how large-effect loci can exhibit complex fitness associations across life stages in the wild and indicates that predicting evolutionary dynamics is difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tutku Aykanat
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Darryl McLennan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Neil B Metcalfe
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jenni M Prokkola
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), Oulu, Finland
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2
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Dai Y, Shen Y, Ke C, Luo X, Huang M, Huang H, You W. Carryover effects of embryonic hypoxia exposure on adult fitness of the Pacific abalone. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 260:119628. [PMID: 39048070 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The widespread and severe drop in dissolved oxygen concentration in the open ocean and coastal waters has attracted much attention, but assessments of the impacts of environmental hypoxia on aquatic organisms have focused primarily on responses to current exposure. Past stress exposure might also affect the performance of aquatic organisms through carryover effects, and whether these effects scale from positive to negative based on exposure degree is unknown. We investigated the carryover effects of varying embryonic hypoxia levels (mediate hypoxia: 3.0-3.1 mg O2/L; severe hypoxia: 2.0-2.1 mg O2/L) on the fitness traits of adult Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai), including growth, hypoxia tolerance, oxygen consumption, ammonia excretion rate, and biochemical responses to acute hypoxia. Moderate embryonic hypoxia exposure significantly improved the hypoxia tolerance of adult Pacific abalone without sacrificing growth and survival. Adult abalone exposed to embryonic hypoxia exhibited physiological plasticity, including decreased oxygen consumption rates under environmental stress, increased basal methylation levels, and a more active response to acute hypoxia, which might support their higher hypoxia tolerance. Thus, moderate oxygen declines in early life have persistent effects on the fitness of abalone even two years later, further affecting population dynamics. The results suggested that incorporating the carryover effects of embryonic hypoxia exposure into genetic breeding programs would be an important step toward rapidly improving the hypoxia tolerance of aquatic animals. The study also inspires the protection of endangered wild animals and other vulnerable species under global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yawei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environmental and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Observation and Research Station for the Taiwan Strait Marine Ecosystem, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, China.
| | - Caihuan Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Observation and Research Station for the Taiwan Strait Marine Ecosystem, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Miaoqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Huoqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Weiwei You
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Observation and Research Station for the Taiwan Strait Marine Ecosystem, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, China.
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3
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Sadeghi J, Zaib F, Heath DD. Genetic architecture and correlations between the gut microbiome and gut gene transcription in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Heredity (Edinb) 2024; 133:54-66. [PMID: 38822131 PMCID: PMC11222526 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-024-00692-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Population divergence through selection can drive local adaptation in natural populations which has implications for the effective restoration of declining and extirpated populations. However, adaptation to local environmental conditions is complicated when both the host and its associated microbiomes must respond via co-evolutionary change. Nevertheless, for adaptation to occur through selection, variation in both host and microbiome traits should include additive genetic effects. Here we focus on host immune function and quantify factors affecting variation in gut immune gene transcription and gut bacterial community composition in early life-stage Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Specifically, we utilized a replicated factorial breeding design to determine the genetic architecture (sire, dam and sire-by-dam interaction) of gut immune gene transcription and microbiome composition. Furthermore, we explored correlations between host gut gene transcription and microbiota composition. Gene transcription was quantified using nanofluidic qPCR arrays (22 target genes) and microbiota composition using 16 S rRNA gene (V5-V6) amplicon sequencing. We discovered limited but significant genetic architecture in gut microbiota composition and transcriptional profiles. We also identified significant correlations between gut gene transcription and microbiota composition, highlighting potential mechanisms for functional interactions between the two. Overall, this study provides support for the co-evolution of host immune function and their gut microbiota in Chinook salmon, a species recognized as locally adapted. Thus, the inclusion of immune gene transcription profile and gut microbiome composition as factors in the development of conservation and commercial rearing practices may provide new and more effective approaches to captive rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Sadeghi
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto-Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Farwa Zaib
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel D Heath
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Ontario, ON, Canada.
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4
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Ussery E, McMaster M, Palace V, Parrott J, Blandford NC, Frank R, Kidd K, Birceanu O, Wilson J, Alaee M, Cunningham J, Wynia A, Clark T, Campbell S, Timlick L, Michaleski S, Marshall S, Nielsen K. Effects of metformin on wild fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) using in-lake mesocosms in a boreal lake ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172457. [PMID: 38649046 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Due to its widespread use for the treatment of Type-2 diabetes, metformin is routinely detected in surface waters globally. Laboratory studies have shown that environmentally relevant concentrations of metformin can adversely affect the health of adult fish, with effects observed more frequently in males. However, the potential risk to wild fish populations has yet to be fully elucidated and remains a topic of debate. To explore whether environmentally relevant metformin exposure poses a risk to wild fish populations, the present study exposed wild fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to 5 or 50 μg/L metformin via 2 m diameter in-lake mesocosms deployed in a natural boreal lake in Northern Ontario at the International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA). Environmental monitoring was performed at regular intervals for 8-weeks, with fish length, weight (body, liver and gonad), condition factor, gonadosomatic index, liver-somatic index, body composition (water and biomolecules) and hematocrit levels evaluated at test termination. Metabolic endpoints were also evaluated using liver, brain and muscle tissue, and gonads were evaluated histologically. Results indicate that current environmental exposure scenarios may be sufficient to adversely impact the health of wild fish populations. Adult male fish exposed to metformin had significantly reduced whole body weight and condition factor and several male fish from the high-dose metformin had oocytes in their testes. Metformin-exposed fish had altered moisture and lipid (decrease) content in their tissues. Further, brain (increase) and liver (decrease) glycogen were altered in fish exposed to high-dose metformin. To our knowledge, this study constitutes the first effort to understand metformin's effects on a wild small-bodied fish population under environmentally relevant field exposure conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Ussery
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark McMaster
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vince Palace
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Joanne Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas C Blandford
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Richard Frank
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Kidd
- McMaster University, Department of Biology, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oana Birceanu
- Western University, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Wilson
- McMaster University, Department of Biology, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mehran Alaee
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessie Cunningham
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abby Wynia
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Clark
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheena Campbell
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Timlick
- International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sonya Michaleski
- International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Stephanie Marshall
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristin Nielsen
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Marine Science, Port Aransas, TX, USA
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5
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Venney CJ, Mérot C, Normandeau E, Rougeux C, Laporte M, Bernatchez L. Epigenetic and Genetic Differentiation Between Coregonus Species Pairs. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae013. [PMID: 38271269 PMCID: PMC10849188 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic diversification is classically associated with genetic differentiation and gene expression variation. However, increasing evidence suggests that DNA methylation is involved in evolutionary processes due to its phenotypic and transcriptional effects. Methylation can increase mutagenesis and could lead to increased genetic divergence between populations experiencing different environmental conditions for many generations, though there has been minimal empirical research on epigenetically induced mutagenesis in diversification and speciation. Whitefish, freshwater members of the salmonid family, are excellent systems to study phenotypic diversification and speciation due to the repeated divergence of benthic-limnetic species pairs serving as natural replicates. Here we investigate whole genome genetic and epigenetic differentiation between sympatric benthic-limnetic species pairs in lake and European whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis and Coregonus lavaretus) from four lakes (N = 64). We found considerable, albeit variable, genetic and epigenetic differences between species pairs. All SNP types were enriched at CpG sites supporting the mutagenic nature of DNA methylation, though C>T SNPs were most common. We also found an enrichment of overlaps between outlier SNPs with the 5% highest FST between species and differentially methylated loci. This could possibly represent differentially methylated sites that have caused divergent genetic mutations between species, or divergent selection leading to both genetic and epigenetic variation at these sites. Our results support the hypothesis that DNA methylation contributes to phenotypic divergence and mutagenesis during whitefish speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare J Venney
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Claire Mérot
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- UMR 6553 Ecobio, OSUR, CNRS, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Eric Normandeau
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Clément Rougeux
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin Laporte
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP), Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Louis Bernatchez
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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6
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Rasal KD, Mohapatra S, Kumar PV, K SR, Asgolkar P, Acharya A, Dey D, Shinde S, Vasam M, Kumar R, Sundaray JK. DNA Methylation Profiling of Ovarian Tissue of Climbing Perch (Anabas testudienus) in Response to Monocrotophos Exposure. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 25:1123-1135. [PMID: 37870741 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-023-10264-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation can alter an organism's phenotype without changing its DNA sequence. Exposure to environmental toxicants has the potential to change the resilience of aquatic species. However, little information is available on the dynamics of DNA methylation in fish gonadal tissues in response to organophosphates. In the present work, reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing was performed to identify DNA methylation patterns in the ovarian tissues of Anabas testudienus exposed to organophosphates, specifically monocrotophos (MCP). Through sequencing, an average of 41,087 methylated cytosine sites were identified and distributed in different parts of genes, i.e., in transcription start sites (TSS), promoters, exons, etc. A total of 1058 and 1329 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected as hyper-methylated and hypo-methylated in ovarian tissues, respectively. Utilizing whole-genome data of the climbing perch, the DMRs, and their associated overlapping genes revealed a total of 22 genes within exons, 45 genes at transcription start sites (TSS), and 218 genes in intergenic regions. Through gene ontology analysis, a total of 16 GO terms particularly involved in ovarian follicular development, response to oxidative stress, oocyte maturation, and multicellular organismal response to stress associated with reproductive biology were identified. After functional enrichment analysis, relevant DMGs such as steroid hormone biosynthesis (Cyp19a, 11-beta-HSD, 17-beta-HSD), hormone receptors (ar, esrrga), steroid metabolism (StAR), progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation (igf1ar, pgr), associated with ovarian development in climbing perch showed significant differential methylation patterns. The differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were subjected to analysis using real-time PCR, which demonstrated altered gene expression levels. This study revealed a molecular-level alteration in genes associated with ovarian development in response to chemical exposure. This work provides evidence for understanding the relationship between DNA methylation and gene regulation in response to chemicals that affect the reproductive fitness of aquatic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran D Rasal
- ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, 751 002, Odisha, India
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, 400 061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sujata Mohapatra
- ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, 751 002, Odisha, India
| | - Pokanti Vinay Kumar
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, 400 061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shasti Risha K
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, 400 061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prachi Asgolkar
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, 400 061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arpit Acharya
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, 400 061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Diganta Dey
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, 400 061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siba Shinde
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, 400 061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manohar Vasam
- ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, 751 002, Odisha, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, 751 002, Odisha, India
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7
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Earhart ML, Blanchard TS, Strowbridge N, Sheena R, McMaster C, Staples B, Brauner CJ, Baker DW, Schulte PM. Heatwave resilience of juvenile white sturgeon is associated with epigenetic and transcriptional alterations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15451. [PMID: 37723229 PMCID: PMC10507091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42652-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Heatwaves are increasing in frequency and severity, posing a significant threat to organisms globally. In aquatic environments heatwaves are often associated with low environmental oxygen, which is a deadly combination for fish. However, surprisingly little is known about the capacity of fishes to withstand these interacting stressors. This issue is particularly critical for species of extreme conservation concern such as sturgeon. We assessed the tolerance of juvenile white sturgeon from an endangered population to heatwave exposure and investigated how this exposure affects tolerance to additional acute stressors. We measured whole-animal thermal and hypoxic performance and underlying epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms. Sturgeon exposed to a simulated heatwave had increased thermal tolerance and exhibited complete compensation for the effects of acute hypoxia. These changes were associated with an increase in mRNA levels involved in thermal and hypoxic stress (hsp90a, hsp90b, hsp70 and hif1a) following these stressors. Global DNA methylation was sensitive to heatwave exposure and rapidly responded to acute thermal and hypoxia stress over the course of an hour. These data demonstrate that juvenile white sturgeon exhibit substantial resilience to heatwaves, associated with improved cross-tolerance to additional acute stressors and involving rapid responses in both epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L Earhart
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Tessa S Blanchard
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nicholas Strowbridge
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ravinder Sheena
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Clark McMaster
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Benjamin Staples
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Colin J Brauner
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daniel W Baker
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada
| | - Patricia M Schulte
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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8
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Colicchio JM, Amstutz CL, Garcia N, Prabhu KN, Cairns TM, Akman M, Gottilla T, Gollery T, Stricklin SL, Bayer TS. A tool for rapid, automated characterization of population epigenomics in plants. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12915. [PMID: 37591855 PMCID: PMC10435466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic variation in plant populations is an important factor in determining phenotype and adaptation to the environment. However, while advances have been made in the molecular and computational methods to analyze the methylation status of a given sample of DNA, tools to profile and compare the methylomes of multiple individual plants or groups of plants at high resolution and low cost are lacking. Here, we describe a computational approach and R package (sounDMR) that leverages the benefits of long read nanopore sequencing to enable robust identification of differential methylation from complex experimental designs, as well as assess the variability within treatment groups and identify individual plants of interest. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by profiling a population of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to a demethylating agent and identify genomic regions of high epigenetic variability between individuals. Given the low cost of nanopore sequencing devices and the ease of sample preparation, these results show that high resolution epigenetic profiling of plant populations can be made more broadly accessible in plant breeding and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Melis Akman
- Sound Agriculture Company, Emeryville, CA, USA
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9
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von Holdt BM, Kartzinel RY, van Oers K, Verhoeven KJF, Ouyang JQ. Changes in the rearing environment cause reorganization of molecular networks associated with DNA methylation. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:648-664. [PMID: 36567635 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Disentangling the interaction between the genetic basis and environmental context underlying phenotypic variation is critical for understanding organismal evolution. Environmental change, such as increased rates of urbanization, can induce shifts in phenotypic plasticity with some individuals adapting to city life while others are displaced. A key trait that can facilitate adaptation is the degree at which animals respond to stressors. This stress response, which includes elevation of baseline circulating concentrations of glucocorticoids, has a heritable component and exhibits intra- and inter-individual variation. However, the mechanisms behind this variability and whether they might be responsible for adaptation to different environments are not known. Variation in DNA methylation can be a potential mechanism that mediates environmental effects on the stress response, as early-life stressors increase glucocorticoid concentrations and change adult phenotype. We used an inter- and intra-environmental cross-foster experiment to analyse the contribution of DNA methylation to early-life phenotypic variation. We found that at hatching, urban house wren (Troglodytes aedon) offspring had higher methylation frequencies compared with their rural counterparts. We also observed age-related patterns in offspring methylation, indicating the developmental effects of the rearing environment on methylation. At fledgling, differential methylation analyses showed that cellular respiration genes were differentially methylated in broods of different origins and behavioural and metabolism genes were differentially methylated in broods of different rearing environments. Lastly, hyper-methylation of a single gene (CNTNAP2) is associated with decreased glucocorticoid levels and the rearing environment. These differential methylation patterns linked to a specific physiological phenotype suggest that DNA methylation may be a mechanism by which individuals adjust to novel environments during their lifespan. Characterizing genetic and environmental influences on methylation is critical for understanding the role of epigenetic mechanisms in evolutionary adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgett M von Holdt
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rebecca Y Kartzinel
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Koen J F Verhoeven
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jenny Q Ouyang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
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10
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Liu Z, Zhou T, Gao D. Genetic and epigenetic regulation of growth, reproduction, disease resistance and stress responses in aquaculture. Front Genet 2022; 13:994471. [PMID: 36406125 PMCID: PMC9666392 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.994471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Major progress has been made with genomic and genetic studies in aquaculture in the last decade. However, research on epigenetic regulation of aquaculture traits is still at an early stage. It is apparent that most, if not all, aquaculture traits are regulated at both genetic and epigenetic levels. This paper reviews recent progress in understanding of genetic and epigenetic regulation of important aquaculture traits such as growth, reproduction, disease resistance, and stress responses. Although it is challenging to make generalized statements, DNA methylation is mostly correlated with down-regulation of gene expression, especially when at promoters and enhancers. As such, methylation of growth factors and their receptors is negatively correlated with growth; hypomethylation of genes important for stress tolerance is correlated with increased stress tolerance; hypomethylation of genes important for male or female sex differentiation leads to sex differentiation into males or females, respectively. It is apparent that environmental regulation of aquaculture traits is mediated at the level of epigenetic regulation, and such environment-induced epigenetic changes appeared to be intergenerationally inherited, but evidences for transgenerational inheritance are still limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanjiang Liu
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Zhanjiang Liu,
| | - Tao Zhou
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dongya Gao
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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11
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Venney CJ, Wellband KW, Normandeau E, Houle C, Garant D, Audet C, Bernatchez L. Thermal regime during parental sexual maturation, but not during offspring rearing, modulates DNA methylation in brook charr ( Salvelinus fontinalis). Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220670. [PMID: 35506232 PMCID: PMC9065957 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic inheritance can result in plastic responses to changing environments being faithfully transmitted to offspring. However, it remains unclear how epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation can contribute to multigenerational acclimation and adaptation to environmental stressors. Brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis), an economically important salmonid, is highly sensitive to thermal stress and is of conservation concern in the context of climate change. We studied the effects of temperature during parental sexual maturation and offspring rearing on whole-genome DNA methylation in brook charr juveniles (fry). Parents were split between warm and cold temperatures during sexual maturation, mated in controlled breeding designs, then offspring from each family were split between warm (8°C) and cold (5°C) rearing environments. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we found 188 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) due to parental maturation temperature after controlling for family structure. By contrast, offspring rearing temperature had a negligible effect on offspring methylation. Stable intergenerational inheritance of DNA methylation and minimal plasticity in progeny could result in the transmission of acclimatory epigenetic states to offspring, priming them for a warming environment. Our findings have implications pertaining to the role of intergenerational epigenetic inheritance in response to ongoing climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare J. Venney
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada G1 V 0A6
| | - Kyle W. Wellband
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada G1 V 0A6
| | - Eric Normandeau
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada G1 V 0A6
| | - Carolyne Houle
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1 K 2R1
| | - Dany Garant
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1 K 2R1
| | - Céline Audet
- Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER), Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), Rimouski, QC, Canada G5 L 2Z9
| | - Louis Bernatchez
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada G1 V 0A6
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12
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Wellband K, Roth D, Linnansaari T, Curry RA, Bernatchez L. Environment-driven reprogramming of gamete DNA methylation occurs during maturation and is transmitted intergenerationally in Atlantic Salmon. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab353. [PMID: 34849830 PMCID: PMC8664423 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
An epigenetic basis for transgenerational plasticity in animals is widely theorized, but convincing empirical support is limited by taxa-specific differences in the presence and role of epigenetic mechanisms. In teleost fishes, DNA methylation generally does not undergo extensive reprogramming and has been linked with environmentally induced intergenerational effects, but solely in the context of early life environmental differences. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we demonstrate that differential methylation of sperm occurs in response to captivity during the maturation of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), a species of major economic and conservation significance. We show that adult captive exposure further induces differential methylation in an F1 generation that is associated with fitness-related phenotypic differences. Some genes targeted with differential methylation were consistent with genes differential methylated in other salmonid fishes experiencing early-life hatchery rearing, as well as genes under selection in domesticated species. Our results support a mechanism of transgenerational plasticity mediated by intergenerational inheritance of DNA methylation acquired late in life for salmon. To our knowledge, this is the first-time environmental variation experienced later in life has been directly demonstrated to influence gamete DNA methylation in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Wellband
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
- Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - David Roth
- Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
- Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Tommi Linnansaari
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
- Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
- Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - R Allen Curry
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
- Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
- Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Louis Bernatchez
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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13
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Anastasiadi D, Venney CJ, Bernatchez L, Wellenreuther M. Epigenetic inheritance and reproductive mode in plants and animals. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:1124-1140. [PMID: 34489118 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic inheritance is another piece of the puzzle of nongenetic inheritance, although the prevalence, sources, persistence, and phenotypic consequences of heritable epigenetic marks across taxa remain unclear. We systematically reviewed over 500 studies from the past 5 years to identify trends in the frequency of epigenetic inheritance due to differences in reproductive mode and germline development. Genetic, intrinsic (e.g., disease), and extrinsic (e.g., environmental) factors were identified as sources of epigenetic inheritance, with impacts on phenotype and adaptation depending on environmental predictability. Our review shows that multigenerational persistence of epigenomic patterns is common in both plants and animals, but also highlights many knowledge gaps that remain to be filled. We provide a framework to guide future studies towards understanding the generational persistence and eco-evolutionary significance of epigenomic patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafni Anastasiadi
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Nelson Research Centre, 293 Akersten St, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | - Clare J Venney
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative des Systèmes (IBIS), Département de Biologie, Université Laval, 1030 Avenue de la Médecine, G1V 0A6, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Louis Bernatchez
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative des Systèmes (IBIS), Département de Biologie, Université Laval, 1030 Avenue de la Médecine, G1V 0A6, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maren Wellenreuther
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Nelson Research Centre, 293 Akersten St, Nelson 7010, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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14
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Layton KKS, Bradbury IR. Harnessing the power of multi-omics data for predicting climate change response. J Anim Ecol 2021; 91:1064-1072. [PMID: 34679193 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Predicting how species will respond to future climate change is of central importance in the midst of the global biodiversity crisis, and recent work has demonstrated the utility of population genomics for improving these predictions. Here, we suggest a broadening of the approach to include other types of genomic variants that play an important role in adaptation, like structural (e.g. copy number variants) and epigenetic variants (e.g. DNA methylation). These data could provide additional power for forecasting response, especially in weakly structured or panmictic species. Incorporating structural and epigenetic variation into estimates of climate change vulnerability, or maladaptation, may not only improve prediction power but also provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underpinning species' response to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara K S Layton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ian R Bradbury
- Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. John's, Canada
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15
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Twardek WM, Ekström A, Eliason EJ, Lennox RJ, Tuononen E, Abrams AEI, Jeanson AL, Cooke SJ. Field assessments of heart rate dynamics during spawning migration of wild and hatchery-reared Chinook salmon. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200214. [PMID: 34121459 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During spawning, adult Pacific salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) complete challenging upriver migrations during which energy and oxygen delivery must be partitioned into activities such as locomotion, maturation and spawning behaviours under the constraints of an individual's cardiac capacity. To advance our understanding of cardiac function in free-swimming fishes, we implanted migrating adult Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) collected near the mouth of the Sydenham River, Ontario, with heart rate (fH) biologgers that recorded fH every 3 min until these semelparous fish expired on spawning grounds several days later. Fundamental aspects of cardiac function were quantified, including resting, routine and maximum fH, as well as scope for fH (maximum-resting fH). Predictors of fH were explored using generalized least-squares regression, including water temperature, discharge, fish size and fish origin (wild versus hatchery). Heart rate was positively correlated with water temperature, which aligned closely with daily and seasonal shifts. Wild fish had slower resting heart rates than hatchery fish, which led to significantly higher scope for fH. Our findings suggest that wild salmon may have better cardiac capacity during migration than hatchery fish, potentially promoting migration success in wild fish. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measuring physiology in free-living animals (Part I)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Twardek
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - A Ekström
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E J Eliason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - R J Lennox
- Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE), Laboratory for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (LFI), Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - E Tuononen
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - A E I Abrams
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - A L Jeanson
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - S J Cooke
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
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16
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Schweizer RM, Saarman N, Ramstad KM, Forester BR, Kelley JL, Hand BK, Malison RL, Ackiss AS, Watsa M, Nelson TC, Beja-Pereira A, Waples RS, Funk WC, Luikart G. Big Data in Conservation Genomics: Boosting Skills, Hedging Bets, and Staying Current in the Field. J Hered 2021; 112:313-327. [PMID: 33860294 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A current challenge in the fields of evolutionary, ecological, and conservation genomics is balancing production of large-scale datasets with additional training often required to handle such datasets. Thus, there is an increasing need for conservation geneticists to continually learn and train to stay up-to-date through avenues such as symposia, meetings, and workshops. The ConGen meeting is a near-annual workshop that strives to guide participants in understanding population genetics principles, study design, data processing, analysis, interpretation, and applications to real-world conservation issues. Each year of ConGen gathers a diverse set of instructors, students, and resulting lectures, hands-on sessions, and discussions. Here, we summarize key lessons learned from the 2019 meeting and more recent updates to the field with a focus on big data in conservation genomics. First, we highlight classical and contemporary issues in study design that are especially relevant to working with big datasets, including the intricacies of data filtering. We next emphasize the importance of building analytical skills and simulating data, and how these skills have applications within and outside of conservation genetics careers. We also highlight recent technological advances and novel applications to conservation of wild populations. Finally, we provide data and recommendations to support ongoing efforts by ConGen organizers and instructors-and beyond-to increase participation of underrepresented minorities in conservation and eco-evolutionary sciences. The future success of conservation genetics requires both continual training in handling big data and a diverse group of people and approaches to tackle key issues, including the global biodiversity-loss crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena M Schweizer
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
| | - Norah Saarman
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Kristina M Ramstad
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, SC
| | | | - Joanna L Kelley
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Brian K Hand
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT.,Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
| | - Rachel L Malison
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
| | - Amanda S Ackiss
- Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
| | | | | | - Albano Beja-Pereira
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO-UP), InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,DGAOT, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre (GreenUPorto), Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Robin S Waples
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, WA
| | - W Chris Funk
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Gordon Luikart
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT.,Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT
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