Atlantic killifish transcriptomic and methylation data

Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) has evolved rapid adaptations to extreme levels of organic pollutants in several estuarine environments along the northeastern coast of America. Understanding vertebrate molecular mechanisms underlying the evolved pollution adaptations is critical in ecological health assessments, and conservation. Atlantic killifish has been considered a vital model organism for such vertebrate pollution adaptation studies. Though some molecular mechanisms underlying Atlantic killifish pollution tolerance have been documented, more remain unidentified, particularly in wild killifish. This study compared RNA-sequenced and DNA methylation data from two wild Atlantic killifish populations from the Elizabeth River, Virginia, United States to uncover potential molecular mechanisms reflected at the transcriptome and the methylome of the pollution-adapted killifish. RNA-Seq and DNA methylation data of Atlantic killifish from Republic Creosote site (heavily polluted by Poly Cyclic Aromatics - PAHs) and Kings Creek site (clean site- reference site) were compared to identify molecular modifications.