Biology subjects

Coustham, V.

Publications and source records attributed to Coustham, V..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Characterization of interindividual DNA methylation variability in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Interindividual epigenetic variability, particularly in DNA methylation, is now recognized as a significant contributor to phenotypic diversity in humans and mammals. These epivariable regions, which make up a small fraction of the genome, are strongly influenced by genetic factors and environmental factors, especially during early development. In this context, epigenetic variability of DNA methylation has been proposed as an adaptive force involved in various environmental responses. In fish and other vertebrates, environmental factors are known to influence the health, performance and welfare, likely through the alteration of the epigenetic landscape. However, whether interindividual epigenetic variability may contribute to the phenotypic plasticity of fishes is unknown. Here we provide a first description of the rainbow trout methylome variability using a whole-genome bisulfite sequencing approach in an isogenic line to minimize genetic variation. Variable methylation regions were identified in both liver and hypothalamus tissues of 12 replicate fishes and were found enriched at gene regulatory elements, such as promoters and first introns. Gene Ontology analysis revealed functional clusters related to cellular development, neural communication, metabolic balance, and immune response. Interestingly, some variably methylated regions are found at the same genomic loci in both tissues and showed a strong intraindividual correlation in methylation levels, suggesting establishment during early embryogenesis. Overall, our work demonstrates the existence of interindividual epigenetic variability in rainbow trout and provides valuable insights into the regulatory function of DNA methylation variation that is likely involved in developmental and physiological processes.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2023

Thermal conditioning of quail embryos has transgenerational and reversible long-term effects

In the current context of global warming, thermal manipulation of avian embryos has received increasing attention as a strategy to promote heat tolerance in avian species by simply increasing the egg incubation temperature. However, because of their likely epigenetic origin, thermal manipulation effects may last more than one generation with consequences for the poultry industry. We found that thermal manipulation repeated during 4 generations had an effect on hatchability, body weight, and weight of eggs laid in Japanese quails, with some effects increasing in importance over generations. Moreover, we show that the effects on body weight and egg weight can be transmitted transgenerationally, suggesting non-genetic inheritance mechanisms. This hypothesis is reinforced by the observed reversion of the effect on growth after five unexposed generations. Interestingly, we demonstrate a non-transgenerational effect of thermal manipulation on heat tolerance few days after hatch. In conclusion, our multigenerational study suggests a quantitative, transgenerational and reversible effect of thermal manipulation.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Microbiota and stress: a loop that impacts memory

Chronic stress and the gut microbiota appear to comprise a feed-forward loop, which contributes to the development of depressive disorders. Evidence suggests that memory can also be impaired by either chronic stress or microbiota imbalance. However, it remains to be established whether these could be a part of an integrated loop model and be responsible for memory impairments. To shed light on this, we used a two-pronged approach in Japanese quail: first stress-induced alterations in gut microbiota were characterized, then we tested whether this altered microbiota could affect brain and memory function when transferred to a germ-free host. The cecal microbiota of chronically stressed quails was found to be significantly different from that of unstressed individuals with lower and {beta} diversities and increased Bacteroidetes abundance largely represented by the Alistipes genus, a well-known stress target in rodents and humans. The transfer of this altered microbiota into germ-free quails decreased their spatial and cue-based memory abilities as previously demonstrated in the stressed donors. The recipients also displayed increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced basal plasma corticosterone levels and differential gene expression in the brain. Furthermore, cecal microbiota transfer from a chronically stressed individual was sufficient to mimic the adverse impact of chronic stress on memory in recipient hosts and this action may be related to the Alistipes genus. Our results provide evidence of a feed-forward loop system linking the microbiota-gut-brain axis to stress and memory function and suggest that maintaining a healthy microbiota could help alleviate memory impairments linked to chronic stress.

animal behavior and cognition↗

bioRxiv2017

First landscape of binding to chromosomes for a domesticated mariner transposase in the human genome: diversity of genomic targets of SETMAR isoforms in two colorectal cell lines

Setmar is a 3-exons gene coding a SET domain fused to a Hsmar1 transposase. Its different transcripts theoretically encode 8 isoforms with SET moieties differently spliced. In vitro, the largest isoform binds specifically to Hsmar1 DNA ends and with no specificity to DNA when it is associated with hPso4. In colon cell lines, we found they bind specifically to two chromosomal targets depending probably on the isoform, Hsmar1 ends and sites with no conserved motifs. We also discovered that the isoforms profile was different between cell lines and patient tissues, suggesting the isoforms encoded by this gene in healthy cells and their functions are currently not investigated.

genomics↗