Transgenerational expression profiles of a sex related and an epigenetic control gene in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis in relation to environmental predictability

Abstract A non-genetic transgenerational inhibitory effect on sexual reproduction has been demonstrated in Brachionus plicatilis relation to environmental predictability. Indeed, clones of this species from more predictable environments do not respond sex-inducing cues during several generations after leaving diapause. Notwithstanding, the molecular basis is still unknown. In work, expression level genes related synthesis sex hormones and a potential epigenetic signalling mechanism were tracked along successive diapausing eggs B. populations inhabiting ponds with different The selected (1) 17- β -dehydrogenase gene ( edh ), involved β- estradiol hormone rotifers, (2) DNMT2 meth as candidate control. According expectations, results showed an increasing across those ponds. This finding provides putative role effect. However, no differences found neither nor regarding Despite this, we point out alternatives for future research inherited regulation behind