title: (Epi)genetic Inheritance in Schistosoma mansoni: A Systems Approach.
abstract: The G×E concept, in which genotype × environment interactions bring about the phenotype, is widely used to describe biological phenomena. We propose to extend the initial notion of the concept, replacing G by 'inheritance system'. This system, comprised of both genome and epigenome components, collectively interacts with the environment to shape the development of a phenotype. In the case of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, responsible for intestinal bilharzia, the phenotypic trait that is most relevant to global health is infection success. Taking a systems biology view we show how genetic and epigenetic interactions result in ephemeral, but also heritable, phenotypic variations that are important for infection success.
authors.affiliation: University Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University Montpellier, F-66860 Perpignan, France.
authors.forename: Céline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cosseau
authors.affiliation: Dept of Systems Biology & Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany; Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
authors.forename: Olaf
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Wolkenhauer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Edward Llwyd Building, Room 3-31, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, UK.
authors.forename: Gilda
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Padalino
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Edward Llwyd Building, Room 3-31, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, UK.
authors.forename: Kathrin K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Geyer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Edward Llwyd Building, Room 3-31, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, UK.
authors.forename: Karl F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.affiliation: University Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University Montpellier, F-66860 Perpignan, France. Electronic address: christoph.grunau@univ-perp.fr.
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grunau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004777:Environment; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D010641:Phenotype; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000469:parasitology*; D049490:Systems Biology