Meeting Abstract

P1.86  Saturday, Jan. 4 15:30  Preliminary assessment of fluctuating temperature on epigenetic modification and life history traits in Daphnia SCHWARTZ, TS*; ALLISON, DB; GOHLKE, J; University of Alabama at Birmingham; University of Alabama at Birmingham; University of Alabama at Birmingham tschwartz@uab.edu

Most animals have evolved in fluctuating environments, such as daily thermal fluctuations or seasonal food availability. These fluctuations are expected to activate molecular networks differently compared to constant environments. One component of these molecular networks is epigenetic modifications of the genome, which may regulate gene expression and ultimately have an effect on physiological processes. These modifications can be transient, life-long, and/or transgenerational such that they persist into subsequent generations. Depending upon the persistence of these modifications, pleiotropic traits dependent on the same molecular networks may also be affected, such as lifespan and reproduction. The evolution of a trait can vary dramatically if its variation is due to variation in the DNA sequence – as assumed in population genetic models – or due to transient, transgenerational, or inherited epigenetic modifications. Here we present preliminary data on the effect of thermal fluctuations on life history traits, metabolic rate, and epigenetic modifications using the water flea, Daphnia pulex. Furthermore, we describe ongoing tests for transgenerational affects of the gestational and the pre-gestational thermal environment on these traits. We discuss the implications of these findings in an evolutionary and life history context.