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Simulated infection induced changes in DNA methylation differ between introduced and native house sparrow (Passer domesticus)
  • +21
  • Aaron Schrey,
  • Oluremi Ige,
  • Daniella Ray,
  • M. Ellesse Lauer,
  • Danielle Dawkins,
  • Natalie Schrey,
  • Elizabeth Sheldon,
  • Kailey McCain,
  • J Maddox,
  • Kevin D. Kohl,
  • Mark Ravinet,
  • J. Briskie,
  • Kate Buchanan,
  • Roi Dor,
  • Henrik Jensen,
  • Blanca Jimeno,
  • Kimberley Mathot,
  • Phuong Ho,
  • Melissah Rowe,
  • Jorgen Soraker,
  • Massamba Thiam,
  • Vu Tien Thinh,
  • Cedric Zimmer ,
  • Lynn B. Martin
Aaron Schrey
Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus

Corresponding Author:aschrey@georgiasouthern.edu

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Oluremi Ige
Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus
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Daniella Ray
Georgia Southern University
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M. Ellesse Lauer
Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus
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Danielle Dawkins
Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus
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Natalie Schrey
Savanah Technical College
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Elizabeth Sheldon
Sorbonne Université
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Kailey McCain
University of South Florida Health
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J Maddox
Field Museum of Natural History
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Kevin D. Kohl
University of Pittsburgh
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Mark Ravinet
University of Oslo
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J. Briskie
University of Canterbury
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Kate Buchanan
Deakin University
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Roi Dor
The Open University of Israel
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Henrik Jensen
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Centre for biodiversity dynamics
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Blanca Jimeno
Pyrenean Institute of Ecology
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Kimberley Mathot
University of Alberta
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Phuong Ho
vietnam national university of forestry
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Melissah Rowe
Netherlands Institute of Ecology
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Jorgen Soraker
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
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Massamba Thiam
Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar
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Vu Tien Thinh
Vietnam National University of Forestry
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Cedric Zimmer
Université Sorbonne Paris Nord
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Lynn B. Martin
University of South Florida
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Abstract

DNA methylation, which can change within-individuals over time and regulate gene expression, is important to many aspects of avian biology. It is particularly important in avian responses to various stressors associated with introductions, such as infection and environmental changes. However, it remains unclear whether native and invasive bird species differ in their epigenetic responses to stress, and how DNA methylation may contribute to the success of invasive species because of the limited availability of longitudinal epigenetic studies. To address this knowledge gap, we used epiRADseq to investigate changes in DNA methylation within-individual house sparrows (Passer domesticus) over an eight hour period in response to simulated infection. We compare wild-caught house sparrows from introduced populations with those from native populations, assessing the number of genomic locations that exhibit changes, the magnitude of those changes, and the variance among individuals. Our results show that individuals from introduced populations experience more widespread changes in DNA methylation, with greater magnitude and higher variance, compared to their counterparts from native populations. Together, these findings suggest that DNA methylation plays a significant role in an individual’s response to infection. They also indicate that individuals from introduced populations may exhibit distinct epigenetic responses compared to their native counterparts, consistent with the concept of epigenetic buffering.
13 Feb 2025Submitted to Journal of Avian Biology
14 Feb 2025Submission Checks Completed
14 Feb 2025Assigned to Editor
14 Feb 2025Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Feb 2025Reviewer(s) Assigned