Rapid neural DNA methylation responses to predation stress in Trinidadian guppies

DNA methylation (DNAm) is a well-studied epigenetic mechanism implicated in environmentally induced phenotypes and phenotypic plasticity. However, few studies investigate the time scale of DNAm shifts. Thus, it is uncertain whether DNAm can change on timescales relevant for rapid phenotypic shifts, such as during the expression of short-term behavioural plasticity. DNAm could be especially reactive in the brain, potentially increasing its relevance for behavioural plasticity. Most research investigating neural changes in methylation has been conducted in mammalian systems, on isolated individuals, and using stressors that are less ecologically relevant, reducing their generalizability to other natural systems. We exposed pairs of male and female Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to alarm cue, conspecific skin extract that reliably induces anti-predator behaviour, or a control cue. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing on whole brains at various time points following cue exposure (0...., We exposed guppies to alarm cue or control cue and then measured behavioural responses for 10 minutes (only 5 minutes of data used in paper) before and after cue exposure. Tanks had a back board that visually divided the tank into three equal horizontal sections so that fish position could be recorded as upper, middle, and bottom of tank. All behavioural responses to cue exposure were scored by a single observer that was blind to the treatment using BORIS v7.12.2. Behavioural videos were binned into 60 second segments for scoring. The observer recorded the time spent in each section of the tank, time spent frozen, and time spent foraging. Foraging was defined as active pecking at substrate and ended when the fish was no longer oriented towards the substrate and had not pecked for two seconds. We also recorded the time males spent pursuing females and the time males engaged in sigmoidal mating displays, a courtship display where males curve their bodies into an S-shape. After the assigne..., , # Rapid neural DNA methylation responses to predation stress in Trinidadian guppies

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.x0k6djhw6](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.x0k6djhw6)

## Description of the data and file structure

**Rapid neural DNA methylation responses to predation stress in Trinidadian guppies**

### DOI: [http://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17774](http://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17774).

### Experiment Summary:

Adult guppies were exposed to either alarm cue or control cue one time. Behaviour was measured for 5 minute before and after cue exposure. At set time points following cue exposure (0.5h, 1h, 4h, 24h, 72h), brains were dissected out for whole genome bisulfite sequencing.

### File structure:

Raw and clean behavioural and tank info in data files (raw and clean folders) are provided. Sequencing data are stored on SRA. Analysis scripts are provided in separate folders for each analysis type (01_behavioural_analysis and 02_methylation_analysis). Within each folder, each script should be ru...,