Transgenerational epigenetic sex determination: Environment experienced by female fish affects offspring sex ratio

Sex determination is a complex process that can be influenced by environment in various taxa. Disturbed environments affect population sex ratios and thus threaten their viability. Emerging evidences support role of epigenetic mechanisms, notably DNA methylation, environmental (ESD). In this work, using zebrafish as model transgenerational experiment comprising 4 successive generations, we report strength link between the promotor methylation level three genes female gonads ratio. One generation was exposed throughout its lifetime to cadmium (Cd), non-essential metal, at an environmentally relevant concentration. The subsequent generations were not exposed. At first third subset individuals elevated temperature, well-known masculinizing factor zebrafish. While heat associated increase cyp19a1a gene masculinization, foxl2a/dmrt1 levels appeared Cd fish density leading offspring feminization. Ancestral exposure indeed led progressive feminization over affected plastic response heat. effect on foxl2a observed until generation, supporting potential inheritance. Our results (i) key SD cues (ii) fact experienced parents, namely mothers present case, ratio via environment-induced changes gonads.