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<p>Marine invertebrates represent the majority of ocean biodiversity and are continuously exposed to rapidly changing environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, ocean acidification, pollution, and hypoxia. To cope with these challenges, marine invertebrates rely not only on genetic variation but also on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that enable flexible and rapid modulation of gene expression. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and the action of non-coding RNAs operate without altering DNA sequences and play fundamental roles in controlling development, physiology, and stress responses. Importantly, these mechanisms link environmental signals to functional biological outcomes by regulating transcriptional programs that influence growth, reproduction, larval survival, and stress tolerance, thereby affecting population dynamics and ecosystem resilience. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on epigenetic regulation in marine invertebrates, with a focus on major taxonomic groups including mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, annelids, and cnidarians. We examine how epigenetic mechanisms contribute to key biological processes such as embryonic development, larval plasticity, immune defense, host-microbiome interactions, and symbiotic associations. Particular attention is given to the role of epigenetic modifications in mediating responses to environmental stressors, including climate change-related pressures and anthropogenic contaminants. Emerging evidence suggests that environmentally induced epigenetic changes may persist across generations, influencing offspring performance, recruitment success, and population resilience. This study also highlights recent methodological advances in epigenomic and multi-omics approaches that have expanded epigenetic research beyond traditional model organisms. Despite significant progress, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the stability, reversibility, and ecological relevance of epigenetic marks in natural marine populations. Overall, this review underscores the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in shaping phenotypic plasticity and adaptive potential in marine invertebrates, with implications for conservation, ecosystem management, and sustainable aquaculture.</p>

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Environmental epigenetic regulation in marine invertebrates: mechanisms and evolutionary consequences

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月20日

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  • Mohammad Habibur Rahman Molla,
  • Muyassar H. Abualreesh,
  • Alaa Haridi,
  • Mohammed F. Khayat,
  • K. M. S. Sakir Abir,
  • Bushra Jahan

摘要

Marine invertebrates represent the majority of ocean biodiversity and are continuously exposed to rapidly changing environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, ocean acidification, pollution, and hypoxia. To cope with these challenges, marine invertebrates rely not only on genetic variation but also on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that enable flexible and rapid modulation of gene expression. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and the action of non-coding RNAs operate without altering DNA sequences and play fundamental roles in controlling development, physiology, and stress responses. Importantly, these mechanisms link environmental signals to functional biological outcomes by regulating transcriptional programs that influence growth, reproduction, larval survival, and stress tolerance, thereby affecting population dynamics and ecosystem resilience. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on epigenetic regulation in marine invertebrates, with a focus on major taxonomic groups including mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, annelids, and cnidarians. We examine how epigenetic mechanisms contribute to key biological processes such as embryonic development, larval plasticity, immune defense, host-microbiome interactions, and symbiotic associations. Particular attention is given to the role of epigenetic modifications in mediating responses to environmental stressors, including climate change-related pressures and anthropogenic contaminants. Emerging evidence suggests that environmentally induced epigenetic changes may persist across generations, influencing offspring performance, recruitment success, and population resilience. This study also highlights recent methodological advances in epigenomic and multi-omics approaches that have expanded epigenetic research beyond traditional model organisms. Despite significant progress, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the stability, reversibility, and ecological relevance of epigenetic marks in natural marine populations. Overall, this review underscores the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in shaping phenotypic plasticity and adaptive potential in marine invertebrates, with implications for conservation, ecosystem management, and sustainable aquaculture.