Family-effects in the epigenomic response of red blood cells to a challenge test in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.)

Abstract Background In fish, minimally invasive blood sampling is widely used to monitor physiological stress with plasma biomarkers. As fish cells are nucleated, they might be a source potential new markers derived from ‘omics technologies. We modified the epiGBS (epiGenotyping By Sequencing) technique explore changes in genome-wide cytosine methylation red (RBCs) of challenged European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ), species studied both natural and farmed environments. Results retrieved 501,108,033 sequencing reads after trimming, mean mapping efficiency 73.0% (unique best hits). Minor RBC methylome appeared manifest challenge test family-effect was detected. Only fifty-seven differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) close 51 distinct genes distributed on 17 24 linkage groups (LGs) were detected between RBCs pre- post-challenge individuals. Thirty-seven these previously reported as expressed brain zebrafish, most them involved coping differences. While further investigation remains necessary, few DMC-related associated Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, protein that favors adaptation fear memory, appear relevant integrate centrally produced response RBCs. Conclusion Our protocol powerful analyze patterns D. evaluate impact using samples . This study first approximation identify epigenetic biomarkers exposure fish.