Faculty Mentor

Aaron Schrey

Location

Russell Union 2084

Type of Research

Completed

Session Format

Oral Presentation

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Department

School of Earth Environment & Sustainability

Abstract

An animal's survival is heavily influenced by how well adapted it is to the environment in which it lives; however, phenotypes are only able to change so quickly. Epigenetics allows for greater phenotypic plasticity through molecular mechanisms without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation is the most widely studied epigenetic mechanism. It has shown the ability to alter gene expression and may even be able to compensate for a lack of genetic variation. Changes in DNA methylation are often caused by stressors that range from anthropogenic causes to natural occurrences. We sought to examine the effect of environmental factors on DNA methylation in A. mississippiensis within the Okefenokee Swamp. We collected samples from 96 adult alligators across the three main entrances to the Okefenokee, screened for DNA methylation among individuals using epiRADseq on the Ion Torrent PGM platform. We resolved 491.238 unique sequences after quality control and trimming, resulting in a pseudo-reference of 3,136,650 bases. The number of sequences among individuals ranged from 1,179 to 17,248. From this data, we detected significant differences among individuals grouped into sex, site, season, and year. The results of this study suggested two main hypotheses: The first is that the DNA methylation may play a part in the seasonal reproduction cycles of female A. mississippiensis, and the second is that A. mississippiensis within certain areas of the Okefenokee Swamp may utilize epigenetic buffering to better adapt to this highly variable environment. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has found evidence to suggest either of these in A. mississippiensis.

Program Description

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DOI

10.20429/GS4.2026.009

Start Date

4-23-2026 10:15 AM

End Date

4-23-2026 10:30 AM

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Apr 23rd, 10:15 AM Apr 23rd, 10:30 AM

Epigenetic Variation of American Alligators (Alligator Mississippiensis) in the Okefenokee Swamp

Russell Union 2084

An animal's survival is heavily influenced by how well adapted it is to the environment in which it lives; however, phenotypes are only able to change so quickly. Epigenetics allows for greater phenotypic plasticity through molecular mechanisms without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation is the most widely studied epigenetic mechanism. It has shown the ability to alter gene expression and may even be able to compensate for a lack of genetic variation. Changes in DNA methylation are often caused by stressors that range from anthropogenic causes to natural occurrences. We sought to examine the effect of environmental factors on DNA methylation in A. mississippiensis within the Okefenokee Swamp. We collected samples from 96 adult alligators across the three main entrances to the Okefenokee, screened for DNA methylation among individuals using epiRADseq on the Ion Torrent PGM platform. We resolved 491.238 unique sequences after quality control and trimming, resulting in a pseudo-reference of 3,136,650 bases. The number of sequences among individuals ranged from 1,179 to 17,248. From this data, we detected significant differences among individuals grouped into sex, site, season, and year. The results of this study suggested two main hypotheses: The first is that the DNA methylation may play a part in the seasonal reproduction cycles of female A. mississippiensis, and the second is that A. mississippiensis within certain areas of the Okefenokee Swamp may utilize epigenetic buffering to better adapt to this highly variable environment. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has found evidence to suggest either of these in A. mississippiensis.