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Tang Y, Zhang H, Zhu H, Bi S, Wang X, Ji S, Ji J, Ma D, Huang C, Zhang G, Yang N, Wan F, Lü Z, Liu W. DNA methylase 1 influences temperature responses and development in the invasive pest Tuta absoluta. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38808749 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylase 1 (Dnmt1) is an important regulatory factor associated with biochemical signals required for insect development. It responds to changes in the environment and triggers phenotypic plasticity. Meanwhile, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)-a destructive invasive pest-can rapidly invade and adapt to different habitats; however, the role of Dnmt1 in this organism has not been elucidated. Accordingly, this study investigates the mechanism(s) underlying the rapid adaptation of Tuta absoluta to temperature stress. Potential regulatory genes were screened via RNAi (RNA interference), and the DNA methylase in Tuta absoluta was cloned by RACE (Rapid amplification of cDNA ends). TaDnmt1 was identified as a potential regulatory gene via bioinformatics; its expression was evaluated in response to temperature stress and during different development stages using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results revealed that TaDnmt1 participates in hot/cold tolerance, temperature preference and larval development. The full-length cDNA sequence of TaDnmt1 is 3765 bp and encodes a 1254 kDa protein with typical Dnmt1 node-conserved structural features and six conserved DNA-binding active motifs. Moreover, TaDnmt1 expression is significantly altered by temperature stress treatments and within different development stages. Hence, TaDnmt1 likely contributes to temperature responses and organismal development. Furthermore, after treating with double-stranded RNA and exposing Tuta absoluta to 35°C heat shock or -12°C cold shock for 1 h, the survival rate significantly decreases; the preferred temperature is 2°C lower than that of the control group. In addition, the epidermal segments become enlarged and irregularly folded while the surface dries up. This results in a significant increase in larval mortality (57%) and a decrease in pupation (49.3%) and eclosion (50.9%) rates. Hence, TaDnmt1 contributes to temperature stress responses and temperature perception, as well as organismal growth and development, via DNA methylation regulation. These findings suggest that the rapid geographic expansion of T absoluta has been closely associated with TaDnmt1-mediated temperature tolerance. This study advances the research on 'thermos Dnmt' and provides a potential target for RNAi-driven regulation of Tuta absoluta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Huifang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huanqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Siyan Bi
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shunxia Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhang Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongfang Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Ecology and Agricultural Use of Wetland, Ministry of Education, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain Industry, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Cong Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guifen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nianwan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Fanghao Wan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichuang Lü
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Brink K, Thomas CL, Jones A, Chan TW, Mallon EB. Exploring the ageing methylome in the model insect, Nasonia vitripennis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:305. [PMID: 38519892 PMCID: PMC10958858 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10211-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ageing process is a multifaceted phenomenon marked by the gradual deterioration of cellular and organismal functions, accompanied by an elevated susceptibility to diseases. The intricate interplay between genetic and environmental factors complicates research, particularly in complex mammalian models. In this context, simple invertebrate organisms have been pivotal, but the current models lack detectable DNA methylation limiting the exploration of this critical epigenetic ageing mechanism. This study introduces Nasonia vitripennis, the jewel wasp, as an innovative invertebrate model for investigating the epigenetics of ageing. Leveraging its advantages as a model organism and possessing a functional DNA methylation system, Nasonia emerges as a valuable addition to ageing research. RESULTS Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing unveiled dynamic alterations in DNA methylation, with differentially methylated CpGs between distinct time points in both male and female wasps. These changes were associated with numerous genes, enriching for functions related to telomere maintenance, histone methylation, and mRNA catabolic processes. Additionally, other CpGs were found to be variably methylated at each timepoint. Sex-specific effects on epigenetic entropy were observed, indicating differential patterns in the loss of epigenetic stability over time. Constructing an epigenetic clock containing 19 CpGs revealed a robust correlation between epigenetic age and chronological age. CONCLUSIONS Nasonia vitripennis emerges as a promising model for investigating the epigenetics of ageing, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of DNA methylation and their implications for age-related processes. This research not only expands the repertoire of ageing models but also opens avenues for deeper exploration of epigenetic mechanisms in the context of ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brink
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
| | - C L Thomas
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
| | - A Jones
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Muenster, Huefferstrabe, Muenster, Germany
| | - T W Chan
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - E B Mallon
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK.
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3
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Abbott E, Loockerman C, Matz MV. Modifications to gene body methylation do not alter gene expression plasticity in a reef-building coral. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13662. [PMID: 38390378 PMCID: PMC10883760 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
As coral reefs continue to decline due to climate change, the role of coral epigenetics (specifically, gene body methylation, GBM) in coral acclimatization warrants investigation. The evidence is currently conflicting. In diverse animal phyla, the baseline GBM level is associated with gene function: continuously expressed "housekeeping" genes are typically highly methylated, while inducible context-dependent genes have low or no methylation at all. Some authors report an association between GBM and the environment and interpret this observation as evidence of the GBM's role in acclimatization. Yet, others argue that the correlation between GBM change and gene expression change is typically absent or negligible. Here, we used the reef-building coral, Acropora millepora, to test whether environmentally driven changes in GBM are associated with a gene's ability to respond to environmental changes (plasticity) rather than expression level. We analyzed two cases of modified gene expression plasticity observed in a 3-week-long heat acclimatization experiment. The first one was a group of heat-induced genes that failed to revert their expression after the coral was translocated back to the control tank. The second case involved genes that changed the magnitude of their response to the daily temperature fluctuations over the course of the experiment. In both cases, we found negligible or no association with GBM change. We conclude that although both gene expression plasticity and GBM can change during acclimatization, there is no direct association between the two. This adds to the increasing volume of evidence that the function of GBM in invertebrates is unrelated to acclimatization on physiological timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Abbott
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Coral Loockerman
- University of Hawai'i at Manoa Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Kaneohe Kaneohe Hawai'i USA
| | - Mikhail V Matz
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
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4
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Yu X, Yu K, Chen B, Liao Z, Liang J, Qin Z, Gao X. Metabolic and immune costs balance during natural acclimation of corals in fluctuating environments. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106284. [PMID: 38048660 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications based on DNA methylation can rapidly improve the potential of corals to adapt to environmental pressures by increasing their phenotypic plasticity, a factor important for scleractinian corals to adapt to future global warming. However, the extent to which corals develop similar adaptive mechanisms and their specific adaptation processes remain unclear. Here, to reveal the regulatory mechanism by which DNA methylation improves thermal tolerance in Pocillopora damicornis under fluctuating environments, we analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation signatures in P. damicornis and compared the differences in the methylation and transcriptional responses of P. damicornis from fluctuating and stable environments using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and nanopore-based RNA sequencingtranscriptome sequencing. We discovered low methylation levels in P. damicornis (average methylation 4.14%), with CpG accounting for 74.88%, CHH for 13.27%, and CHG for 11.85% of this methylation. However, methylation levels did not change between coral samples from the fluctuating and stable environments. The varied methylation levels in different regions of the gene revealed that the overall methylation level of the gene body was relatively high and showed a bimodal methylation pattern. Methylation occurs primarily in exons rather than introns within the gene body In P. damicornis, there was only a weak correlation between methylation and transcriptional changes at the individual gene level, and the methylation and gene expression levels generally exhibited a bell-shaped relationship, which we speculate may be due to the specificity of cnidarian species. Correlation analysis between methylation levels and the transcriptome revealed that the highest proportion of the top 20 enriched KEGG pathways was related to immunity. Additionally, P. damicornis collected from a high-temperature pool had a lower metabolic rate than those collected from a low-temperature pool. We hypothesize that the dynamic balance of energy-expenditure costs between immunity and metabolism is an important strategy for increasing P. damicornis tolerance. The fluctuating environment of high-temperature pools may increase the heat tolerance in corals by increasing their immunity and thus lowering their metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
| | - Biao Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiheng Liao
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiayuan Liang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenjun Qin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xu Gao
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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5
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Funabiki H, Wassing IE, Jia Q, Luo JD, Carroll T. Coevolution of the CDCA7-HELLS ICF-related nucleosome remodeling complex and DNA methyltransferases. eLife 2023; 12:RP86721. [PMID: 37769127 PMCID: PMC10538959 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (5mC) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are broadly conserved in eukaryotes but are also frequently lost during evolution. The mammalian SNF2 family ATPase HELLS and its plant ortholog DDM1 are critical for maintaining 5mC. Mutations in HELLS, its activator CDCA7, and the de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B, cause immunodeficiency-centromeric instability-facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with the loss of DNA methylation. We here examine the coevolution of CDCA7, HELLS and DNMTs. While DNMT3, the maintenance DNA methyltransferase DNMT1, HELLS, and CDCA7 are all highly conserved in vertebrates and green plants, they are frequently co-lost in other evolutionary clades. The presence-absence patterns of these genes are not random; almost all CDCA7 harboring eukaryote species also have HELLS and DNMT1 (or another maintenance methyltransferase, DNMT5). Coevolution of presence-absence patterns (CoPAP) analysis in Ecdysozoa further indicates coevolutionary linkages among CDCA7, HELLS, DNMT1 and its activator UHRF1. We hypothesize that CDCA7 becomes dispensable in species that lost HELLS or DNA methylation, and/or the loss of CDCA7 triggers the replacement of DNA methylation by other chromatin regulation mechanisms. Our study suggests that a unique specialized role of CDCA7 in HELLS-dependent DNA methylation maintenance is broadly inherited from the last eukaryotic common ancestor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Funabiki
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Isabel E Wassing
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Qingyuan Jia
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ji-Dung Luo
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Thomas Carroll
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
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6
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Rahman SR, Lozier JD. Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) populations from spatial-environmental range extremes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14901. [PMID: 37689750 PMCID: PMC10492822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41896-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Unraveling molecular mechanisms of adaptation to complex environments is crucial to understanding tolerance of abiotic pressures and responses to climatic change. Epigenetic variation is increasingly recognized as a mechanism that can facilitate rapid responses to changing environmental cues. To investigate variation in genetic and epigenetic diversity at spatial and thermal extremes, we use whole genome and methylome sequencing to generate a high-resolution map of DNA methylation in the bumble bee Bombus vosnesenskii. We sample two populations representing spatial and environmental range extremes (a warm southern low-elevation site and a cold northern high-elevation site) previously shown to exhibit differences in thermal tolerance and determine positions in the genome that are consistently and variably methylated across samples. Bisulfite sequencing reveals methylation characteristics similar to other arthropods, with low global CpG methylation but high methylation concentrated in gene bodies and in genome regions with low nucleotide diversity. Differentially methylated sites (n = 2066) were largely hypomethylated in the northern high-elevation population but not related to local sequence differentiation. The concentration of methylated and differentially methylated sites in exons and putative promoter regions suggests a possible role in gene regulation, and this high-resolution analysis of intraspecific epigenetic variation in wild Bombus suggests that the function of methylation in niche adaptation would be worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey D Lozier
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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7
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Tosto NM, Beasley ER, Wong BBM, Mank JE, Flanagan SP. The roles of sexual selection and sexual conflict in shaping patterns of genome and transcriptome variation. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:981-993. [PMID: 36959239 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is one of the most prevalent, and often the most extreme, examples of phenotypic variation within species, and arises primarily from genomic variation that is shared between females and males. Many sexual dimorphisms arise through sex differences in gene expression, and sex-biased expression is one way that a single, shared genome can generate multiple, distinct phenotypes. Although many sexual dimorphisms are expected to result from sexual selection, and many studies have invoked the possible role of sexual selection to explain sex-specific traits, the role of sexual selection in the evolution of sexually dimorphic gene expression remains difficult to differentiate from other forms of sex-specific selection. In this Review, we propose a holistic framework for the study of sex-specific selection and transcriptome evolution. We advocate for a comparative approach, across tissues, developmental stages and species, which incorporates an understanding of the molecular mechanisms, including genomic variation and structure, governing gene expression. Such an approach is expected to yield substantial insights into the evolution of genetic variation and have important applications in a variety of fields, including ecology, evolution and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Tosto
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Emily R Beasley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judith E Mank
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah P Flanagan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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8
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Ye X, Yang Y, Zhao C, Xiao S, Sun YH, He C, Xiong S, Zhao X, Zhang B, Lin H, Shi J, Mei Y, Xu H, Fang Q, Wu F, Li D, Ye G. Genomic signatures associated with maintenance of genome stability and venom turnover in two parasitoid wasps. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6417. [PMID: 36302851 PMCID: PMC9613689 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34202-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps are rapidly developing as a model for evolutionary biology. Here we present chromosomal genomes of two Anastatus wasps, A. japonicus and A. fulloi, and leverage these genomes to study two fundamental questions-genome size evolution and venom evolution. Anastatus shows a much larger genome than is known among other wasps, with unexpectedly recent bursts of LTR retrotransposons. Importantly, several genomic innovations, including Piwi gene family expansion, ubiquitous Piwi expression profiles, as well as transposable element-piRNA coevolution, have likely emerged for transposable element silencing to maintain genomic stability. Additionally, we show that the co-option evolution arose by expression shifts in the venom gland plays a dominant role in venom turnover. We also highlight the potential importance of non-venom genes that are coexpressed with venom genes during venom evolution. Our findings greatly advance the current understanding of genome size evolution and venom evolution, and these genomic resources will facilitate comparative genomics studies of insects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhai Ye
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XShanghai Institute for Advanced Study, Zhejiang University, Shanghai, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XCollege of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Can Zhao
- grid.484195.5Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Xiao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu H. Sun
- grid.16416.340000 0004 1936 9174Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Chun He
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shijiao Xiong
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianxin Zhao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiwei Lin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Shi
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Mei
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongxing Xu
- grid.410744.20000 0000 9883 3553State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agroproducts, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Fang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Wu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XShanghai Institute for Advanced Study, Zhejiang University, Shanghai, China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XCollege of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dunsong Li
- grid.484195.5Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gongyin Ye
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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9
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Arsala D, Wu X, Yi SV, Lynch JA. Dnmt1a is essential for gene body methylation and the regulation of the zygotic genome in a wasp. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010181. [PMID: 35522715 PMCID: PMC9075658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene body methylation (GBM) is an ancestral mode of DNA methylation whose role in development has been obscured by the more prominent roles of promoter and CpG island methylation. The wasp Nasonia vitripennis has little promoter and CpG island methylation, yet retains strong GBM, making it an excellent model for elucidating the roles of GBM. Here we show that N. vitripennis DNA methyltransferase 1a (Nv-Dnmt1a) knockdown leads to failures in cellularization and gastrulation of the embryo. Both of these disrupted events are hallmarks of the maternal-zygotic transition (MZT) in insects. Analysis of the embryonic transcriptome and methylome revealed strong reduction of GBM and widespread disruption of gene expression during embryogenesis after Nv-Dnmt1a knockdown. Strikingly, there was a strong correlation between loss of GBM and reduced gene expression in thousands of methylated loci, consistent with the hypothesis that GBM directly facilitates high levels of transcription. We propose that lower expression levels of methylated genes due to reduced GBM is the crucial direct effect of Nv-Dnmt1 knockdown. Subsequently, the disruption of methylated genes leads to downstream dysregulation of the MZT, culminating in developmental failure at gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Arsala
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Xin Wu
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Soojin V. Yi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Jeremy A. Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Nasrullah, Hussain A, Ahmed S, Rasool M, Shah AJ. DNA methylation across the tree of life, from micro to macro-organism. Bioengineered 2022; 13:1666-1685. [PMID: 34986742 PMCID: PMC8805842 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2014387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a process in which methyl (CH3) groups are added to the DNA molecule. The DNA segment does not change in the sequence, but DNA methylation could alter the action of DNA. Different enzymes like DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) take part in methylation of cytosine/adenine nucleosides in DNA. In prokaryotes, DNA methylation is performed to prevent the attack of phage and also plays a role in the chromosome replication and repair. In fungi, DNA methylation is studied to see the transcriptional changes, as in insects, the DNA methylation is not that well-known, it plays a different role like other organisms. In mammals, the DNA methylation is related to different types of cancers and plays the most important role in the placental development and abnormal DNA methylation connected with diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrullah
- Center for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology & Biotechnology (Casvab), University of Baluchistan, Quetta- Pakistan. E-mails:
| | - Abrar Hussain
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Buitems, Quetta-Pakistan. E-mails:
| | - Sagheer Ahmed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan. E-mails:
| | - Mahmood Rasool
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. E-mails:
| | - Abdul Jabbar Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Comsats University, Abbottabad. E-mails:
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11
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Wedd L, Kucharski R, Maleszka R. DNA Methylation in Honey Bees and the Unresolved Questions in Insect Methylomics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:159-176. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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12
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Šrut M. Ecotoxicological epigenetics in invertebrates: Emerging tool for the evaluation of present and past pollution burden. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 282:131026. [PMID: 34111635 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The effect of environmental pollution on epigenetic changes and their heredity in affected organisms is of major concern as such changes can play a significant role in adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Changes of epigenetic marks including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA's can induce changes in gene transcription leading to physiological long-term changes or even transgenerational inheritance. Such mechanisms have until recently been scarcely studied in invertebrate organisms, mainly focusing on model species including Caenorhabditis elegans and Daphnia magna. However, more data are becoming available, particularly focused on DNA methylation changes caused by anthropogenic pollutants in a wide range of invertebrates. This review examines the literature from field and laboratory studies utilising invertebrate species exposed to environmental pollutants and their effect on DNA methylation. Possible mechanisms of epigenetic modifications and their role on physiology and adaptation as well as the incidence of intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance are discussed. Furthermore, critical research challenges are defined and the way forward is proposed. Future studies should focus on the use of next generation sequencing tools to define invertebrate methylomes under environmental stress in higher resolution, those data should further be linked to gene expression patterns and phenotypes and detailed studies focusing on transgenerational effects are encouraged. Moreover, studies of other epigenetic mechanisms in various invertebrate species, apart from DNA methylation would provide better understanding of interconnected cross-talk between epigenetic marks. Taken together incorporating epigenetic studies in ecotoxicology context presents a promising tool for development of sensitive biomarkers for environmental stress assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Šrut
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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13
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Cardoso-Júnior CAM, Yagound B, Ronai I, Remnant EJ, Hartfelder K, Oldroyd BP. DNA methylation is not a driver of gene expression reprogramming in young honey bee workers. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:4804-4818. [PMID: 34322926 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The presence of DNA methylation marks within genic intervals, also called gene body methylation, is an evolutionarily-conserved epigenetic hallmark of animal and plant methylomes. In social insects, gene body methylation is thought to contribute to behavioural plasticity, for example between foragers and nurse workers, by modulating gene expression. However, recent studies have suggested that the majority of DNA methylation is sequence-specific, and therefore cannot act as a flexible mediator between environmental cues and gene expression. To address this paradox, we examined whole-genome methylation patterns in the brains and ovaries of young honey bee workers that had been subjected to divergent social contexts: the presence or absence of the queen. Although these social contexts are known to bring about extreme changes in behavioral and reproductive traits through differential gene expression, we found no significant differences between the methylomes of workers from queenright and queenless colonies. In contrast, thousands of regions were differentially methylated between colonies, and these differences were not associated with differential gene expression in the subset of genes examined. Methylation patterns were highly similar between brain and ovary tissues and only differed in nine regions. These results strongly indicate that DNA methylation is not a driver of differential gene expression between tissues or behavioral morphs. Finally, despite the lack of difference in methylation patterns, queen presence affected the expression of all four DNA methyltransferase genes, suggesting that these enzymes have roles beyond DNA methylation. Therefore, the functional role of DNA methylation in social insect genomes remains an open question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A M Cardoso-Júnior
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brasil.,Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, Ecology and Evolution, School of Life and Environmental Sciences A12, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Boris Yagound
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, Ecology and Evolution, School of Life and Environmental Sciences A12, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Isobel Ronai
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, Ecology and Evolution, School of Life and Environmental Sciences A12, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily J Remnant
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, Ecology and Evolution, School of Life and Environmental Sciences A12, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Klaus Hartfelder
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brasil
| | - Benjamin P Oldroyd
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, Ecology and Evolution, School of Life and Environmental Sciences A12, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Wu X, Galbraith DA, Chatterjee P, Jeong H, Grozinger CM, Yi SV. Lineage and Parent-of-Origin Effects in DNA Methylation of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) Revealed by Reciprocal Crosses and Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 12:1482-1492. [PMID: 32597952 PMCID: PMC7502210 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parent-of-origin methylation arises when the methylation patterns of a particular allele are dependent on the parent it was inherited from. Previous work in honey bees has shown evidence of parent-of-origin-specific expression, yet the mechanisms regulating such pattern remain unknown in honey bees. In mammals and plants, DNA methylation is known to regulate parent-of-origin effects such as genomic imprinting. Here, we utilize genotyping of reciprocal European and Africanized honey bee crosses to study genome-wide allele-specific methylation patterns in sterile and reproductive individuals. Our data confirm the presence of allele-specific methylation in honey bees in lineage-specific contexts but also importantly, though to a lesser degree, parent-of-origin contexts. We show that the majority of allele-specific methylation occurs due to lineage rather than parent-of-origin factors, regardless of the reproductive state. Interestingly, genes affected by allele-specific DNA methylation often exhibit both lineage and parent-of-origin effects, indicating that they are particularly labile in terms of DNA methylation patterns. Additionally, we re-analyzed our previous study on parent-of-origin-specific expression in honey bees and found little association with parent-of-origin-specific methylation. These results indicate strong genetic background effects on allelic DNA methylation and suggest that although parent-of-origin effects are manifested in both DNA methylation and gene expression, they are not directly associated with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David A Galbraith
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Paramita Chatterjee
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hyeonsoo Jeong
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christina M Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Soojin V Yi
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
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15
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Kausar S, Abbas MN, Cui H. A review on the DNA methyltransferase family of insects: Aspect and prospects. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 186:289-302. [PMID: 34237376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The DNA methyltransferase family contains a conserved set of DNA-modifying enzymatic proteins. They are responsible for epigenetic gene modulation, such as transcriptional silencing, transcription activation, and post-transcriptional modulation. Recent research has revealed that the canonical DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) biological roles go beyond their traditional functions of establishing and maintaining DNA methylation patterns. Although a complete DNA methylation toolkit is absent in most insect orders, recent evidence indicates the de novo DNA methylation and maintenance function remain conserved. Studies using various molecular approaches provided evidence that DNMTs are multi-functional proteins. However, still in-depth studies on their biological role lack due to the least studied area in insects. Here, we review the DNA methylation toolkit of insects, focusing on recent research on various insect orders, which exhibit DNA methylation at different levels, and for which DNMTs functional studies have become available in recent years. We survey research on the potential roles of DNMTs in the regulation of gene transcription in insect species. DNMTs participate in different physiological processes by interacting with other epigenetic factors. Future studies on insect's DNMTs will benefit to understand developmental processes, responses to various stimuli, and adaptability of insects to different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Kausar
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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16
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Male-Biased microRNA Discovery in the Pea Aphid. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12060533. [PMID: 34201015 PMCID: PMC8228725 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms modulate gene expression levels during development, shaping how a single genome produces a diversity of phenotypes. Here, we begin to explore the epigenetic regulation of sexual dimorphism in pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) by focusing on microRNAs. Previous analyses of microRNAs in aphids have focused solely on females, so we performed deep sequencing of a sample containing early-stage males. We used this sample, plus samples from Genbank, to find 207 novel pea aphid microRNA coding loci. We localized microRNA loci to a chromosome-level assembly of the pea aphid genome and found that those on the X chromosome have lower overall expression compared to those on autosomes. We then identified a set of 19 putative male-biased microRNAs and found them enriched on the X chromosome. Finally, we performed protein-coding RNA-Seq of first instar female and male pea aphids to identify genes with lower expression in males. 10 of these genes were predicted targets of the 19 male-biased microRNAs. Our study provides the most complete set of microRNAs in the pea aphid to date and serves as foundational work for future studies on the epigenetic control of sexual dimorphism.
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17
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Männer L, Schell T, Provataris P, Haase M, Greve C. Inference of DNA methylation patterns in molluscs. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200166. [PMID: 33813896 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mollusca are the second largest and arguably most diverse phylum of the animal kingdom. This is in sharp contrast to our very limited knowledge concerning epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation in this invertebrate group. Here, we inferred DNA methylation patterns by analysing the normalized dinucleotide CG content in protein-coding sequences and identified DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and 3) in published transcriptomes and genomes of 140 species across all eight classes of molluscs. Given the evolutionary age and morphological diversity of molluscs, we expected to find evidence for diverse methylation patterns. Our inferences suggest that molluscs possess substantial levels of DNA methylation in gene bodies as a rule. Yet, we found deviations from this general picture with regard to (i) the CpG observed/expected distributions indicating a reduction in DNA methylation in certain groups and (ii) the completeness of the DNMT toolkit. Reductions were evident in Caudofoveata, Solenogastres, Polyplacophora, Monoplacophora, as well as Scaphopoda. Heterobranchia and Oegopsida were remarkable as they lacked DNMT3, usually responsible for de novo methylation, yet showed signs of DNA methylation. Our survey may serve as guidance for direct empirical analyses of DNA methylation in molluscs. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Molluscan genomics: broad insights and future directions for a neglected phylum'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Männer
- AG Vogelwarte, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 23, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Tilman Schell
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Provataris
- Center for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany.,Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Haase
- AG Vogelwarte, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 23, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carola Greve
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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18
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Gegner J, Vogel H, Billion A, Förster F, Vilcinskas A. Complete Metamorphosis in Manduca sexta Involves Specific Changes in DNA Methylation Patterns. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.646281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition between morphologically distinct phenotypes during complete metamorphosis in holometabolous insects is accompanied by fundamental transcriptional reprogramming. Using the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), a powerful model for the analysis of insect evolution and development, we conducted a genome-wide comparative analysis of gene expression and DNA methylation in caterpillars and adults to determine whether complete metamorphosis has an epigenetic basis in this species. Bisulfite sequencing indicated a generally low level of DNA methylation with a unimodal CpGO/E distribution. Expression analysis revealed that 24 % of all known M. sexta genes (3.729) were upregulated in last-instar larvae relative to the adult moth, whereas 26 % (4.077) were downregulated. We also identified 4.946 loci and 4.960 regions showing stage-specific differential methylation. Interestingly, genes encoding histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases were differentially methylated in the larvae and adults, indicating there is crosstalk between different epigenetic mechanisms. The distinct sets of methylated genes in M. sexta larvae and adults suggest that complete metamorphosis involves epigenetic modifications associated with profound transcriptional reprogramming, involving approximately half of all the genes in this species.
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19
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Bain SA, Marshall H, de la Filia AG, Laetsch DR, Husnik F, Ross L. Sex-specific expression and DNA methylation in a species with extreme sexual dimorphism and paternal genome elimination. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:5687-5703. [PMID: 33629415 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic differences between sexes are often mediated by differential expression and alternative splicing of genes. However, the mechanisms that regulate these expression and splicing patterns remain poorly understood. The mealybug, Planococcus citri, displays extreme sexual dimorphism and exhibits an unusual instance of sex-specific genomic imprinting, paternal genome elimination (PGE), in which the paternal chromosomes in males are highly condensed and eliminated from the sperm. Planococcus citri has no sex chromosomes and both sexual dimorphism and PGE are predicted to be under epigenetic control. We recently showed that P. citri females display a highly unusual DNA methylation profile for an insect species, with the presence of promoter methylation associated with lower levels of gene expression. Here, we therefore decided to explore genome-wide differences in DNA methylation between male and female P. citri using whole-genome bisulphite sequencing. We identified extreme differences in genome-wide levels and patterns between the sexes. Males display overall higher levels of DNA methylation which manifest as more uniform low levels across the genome. Whereas females display more targeted high levels of methylation. We suggest these unique sex-specific differences are due to chromosomal differences caused by PGE and may be linked to possible ploidy compensation. Using RNA-Seq, we identify extensive sex-specific gene expression and alternative splicing, but we find no correlation with cis-acting DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevie A Bain
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hollie Marshall
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Dominik R Laetsch
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Filip Husnik
- Evolution, Cell Biology, and Symbiosis Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Kunigami-gun, Japan
| | - Laura Ross
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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20
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Pozo MI, Hunt BJ, Van Kemenade G, Guerra-Sanz JM, Wäckers F, Mallon EB, Jacquemyn H. The effect of DNA methylation on bumblebee colony development. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:73. [PMID: 33482723 PMCID: PMC7821684 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although around 1% of cytosines in bees' genomes are known to be methylated, less is known about methylation's effect on bee behavior and fitness. Chemically altered DNA methylation levels have shown clear changes in the dominance and reproductive behavior of workers in queen-less colonies, but the global effect of DNA methylation on caste determination and colony development remains unclear, mainly because of difficulties in controlling for genetic differences among experimental subjects in the parental line. Here, we investigated the effect of the methylation altering agent decitabine on the developmental rate of full bumblebee colonies. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing was used to assess differences in methylation status. RESULTS Our results showed fewer methylated loci in the control group. A total of 22 CpG loci were identified as significantly differentially methylated between treated and control workers with a change in methylation levels of 10% or more. Loci that were methylated differentially between groups participated in pathways including neuron function, oocyte regulation and metabolic processes. Treated colonies tended to develop faster, and therefore more workers were found at a given developmental stage. However, male production followed the opposite trend and it tended to be higher in control colonies. CONCLUSION Overall, our results indicate that altered methylation patterns resulted in an improved cooperation between workers, while there were no signs of abnormal worker dominance or caste determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- María I Pozo
- KU Leuven, Biology Department, Plant Population and Conservation Biology, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Benjamin J Hunt
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Felix Wäckers
- Biobest Group, Research and Development, B-2260, Westerlo, Belgium
| | - Eamonn B Mallon
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- KU Leuven, Biology Department, Plant Population and Conservation Biology, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium
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21
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Gong P, Jing Y, Liu Y, Wang L, Wu C, Du Z, Li H. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of abdominal adipose reveals DNA methylation pattern variations in broiler lines divergently selected for fatness. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:skaa408. [PMID: 33373456 PMCID: PMC8611762 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The methylation status of pivotal genes involved in fat deposition in chickens has been extensively studied. However, the whole-genome DNA methylation profiles of broiler abdominal adipose tissue remain poorly understood. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we generated DNA methylation profiles of chicken abdominal adipose tissue from Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content. We aimed to explore whether DNA methylation was associated with abdominal fat deposition in broilers. The whole-genome DNA methylation profiles of fat- and lean-line broilers abdominal adipose tissue were constructed. The DNA methylation levels of functional genomic regions in the fat broiler were higher than those in the lean broiler, especially in the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) and exons in the non-CG contexts. Additionally, we identified 29,631 differentially methylated regions and, subsequently, annotated 6,484 and 2,016 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in the gene body and promoter regions between the two lines, respectively. Functional annotation showed that the DMGs in promoter regions were significantly enriched mainly in the triglyceride catabolic process, lipid metabolism-related pathways, and extracellular matrix signal pathways. When the DMG in promoter regions and differentially expressed genes were integrated, we identified 30 genes with DNA methylation levels that negatively correlated with their messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, of which CMSS1 reached significant levels (false discovery rate < 0.05). These 30 genes were mainly involved in fatty acid metabolism, peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor signaling, Wnt signaling pathways, transmembrane transport, RNA degradation, and glycosaminoglycan degradation. Comparing the DNA methylation profiles between fat- and lean-line broilers demonstrated that DNA methylation is involved in regulating broiler abdominal fat deposition. Our study offers a basis for further exploring the underlying mechanisms of abdominal adipose deposition in broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Affairs, Harbin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education
Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, P.R.
China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural
University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Yang Jing
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Affairs, Harbin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education
Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, P.R.
China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural
University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Yumeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Affairs, Harbin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education
Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, P.R.
China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural
University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Lijian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Affairs, Harbin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education
Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, P.R.
China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural
University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Affairs, Harbin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education
Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, P.R.
China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural
University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Du
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Affairs, Harbin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education
Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, P.R.
China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural
University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Affairs, Harbin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education
Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, P.R.
China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural
University, Harbin, P.R. China
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22
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Ventós-Alfonso A, Ylla G, Montañes JC, Belles X. DNMT1 Promotes Genome Methylation and Early Embryo Development in Cockroaches. iScience 2020; 23:101778. [PMID: 33294787 PMCID: PMC7691181 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of DNA methylation on gene behavior and its consequent phenotypic effects appear to be very important, but the details are not well understood. Insects offer a diversity of DNA methylation modes, making them an excellent lineage for comparative analyses. However, functional studies have tended to focus on quite specialized holometabolan species, such as wasps, bees, beetles, and flies. Here, we have studied DNA methylation in the hemimetabolan insect Blattella germanica. In this cockroach, a gene involved in DNA methylation, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), is expressed in early embryogenesis. In our experiments, RNAi of DNMT1 reduces DNA methylation and impairs blastoderm formation. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome analyses, we observed that methylated genes are associated with metabolism and are highly expressed, whereas unmethylated genes are related to signaling and show low expression. Moreover, methylated genes show greater expression change and less expression variability than unmethylated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ventós-Alfonso
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim 37, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Ylla
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim 37, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose-Carlos Montañes
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim 37, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Belles
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim 37, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Chen P, Xiao WF, Pan MH, Xiao JS, Feng YJ, Dong ZQ, Zou BX, Zhou L, Zhang YH, Lu C. Comparative genome-wide DNA methylation analysis reveals epigenomic differences in response to heat-humidity stress in Bombyx mori. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:3771-3779. [PMID: 32891645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification and has been shown to be involved in the response to abiotic stress. However, there are few studies on DNA methylation in insect response to environmental signals. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of DNA methylation profiles between two silkworm strains with significantly different resistance to heat and humidity by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). We identified, in total, 2934 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between RT_48h (resistant strain with high-temperature/humidity treatment for 48 h) and ST_48h (sensitive strain with high-temperature/humidity treatment for 48 h) under cytosine context (CG), which corresponded to 1230 DMR-related genes (DMGs), and the DMRs were primarily located in the gene body (exon and intron) region. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis showed that these DMGs were most significantly enriched in binding, cellular metabolic process, and RNA transport pathways. Moreover, 10 DMGs have been revealed to be involved in the heat-humidity stress response in the silkworm. The results of this study indicated that DNA methylation plays crucial roles in silkworm response to environmental stressors and provides important clues to identify key resistance genes in silkworm under high-temperature/humidity stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Beibei 400715, China
| | - Wen-Fu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Beibei 400715, China; Sericultural Research Institute Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchong 637000, China
| | - Min-Hui Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Beibei 400715, China
| | - Jin-Shu Xiao
- Sericultural Research Institute Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchong 637000, China
| | - Yu-Jie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Beibei 400715, China
| | - Zhan-Qi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Beibei 400715, China
| | - Bang-Xing Zou
- Sericultural Research Institute Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchong 637000, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Beibei 400715, China
| | - You-Hong Zhang
- Sericultural Research Institute Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchong 637000, China.
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Beibei 400715, China.
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24
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Lin ZJ, Wang X, Wang J, Tan Y, Tang X, Werren JH, Zhang D, Wang X. Comparative analysis reveals the expansion of mitochondrial DNA control region containing unusually high G-C tandem repeat arrays in Nasonia vitripennis. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 166:1246-1257. [PMID: 33159940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Insect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) ranges from 14 to 19 kbp, and the size difference is attributed to the AT-rich control region. Jewel wasps have a parasitoid lifestyle, which may affect mitochondria function and evolution. We sequenced, assembled, and annotated mitochondrial genomes in Nasonia and outgroup species. Gene composition and order are conserved within Nasonia, but they differ from other parasitoids by two large inversion events that were not reported before. We observed a much higher substitution rate relative to the nuclear genome and mitochondrial introgression between N. giraulti and N. oneida, which is consistent with previous studies. Most strikingly, N. vitripennis mtDNA has an extremely long control region (7665 bp), containing twenty-nine 217 bp tandem repeats and can fold into a super-cruciform structure. In contrast to tandem repeats commonly found in other mitochondria, these high-copy repeats are highly conserved (98.7% sequence identity), much longer in length (approximately 8 Kb), extremely GC-rich (50.7%), and CpG-rich (percent CpG 19.4% vs. 1.1% in coding region), resulting in a 23 kbp mtDNA beyond the typical size range in insects. These N. vitripennis-specific mitochondrial repeats are not related to any known sequences in insect mitochondria. Their evolutionary origin and functional consequences warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Jie Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA 31909, United States of America
| | - Xiaozhu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Jinbin Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology Research, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Yongjun Tan
- Department of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States of America
| | - Xueming Tang
- Institute of Biotechnology Research, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, United States of America
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- Department of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States of America
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, United States of America; Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America.
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25
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Villagra C, Frías-Lasserre D. Epigenetic Molecular Mechanisms in Insects. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 49:615-642. [PMID: 32514997 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-020-00777-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insects are the largest animal group on Earth both in biomass and diversity. Their outstanding success has inspired genetics and developmental research, allowing the discovery of dynamic process explaining extreme phenotypic plasticity and canalization. Epigenetic molecular mechanisms (EMMs) are vital for several housekeeping functions in multicellular organisms, regulating developmental, ontogenetic trajectories and environmental adaptations. In Insecta, EMMs are involved in the development of extreme phenotypic divergences such as polyphenisms and eusocial castes. Here, we review the history of this research field and how the main EMMs found in insects help to understand their biological processes and diversity. EMMs in insects confer them rapid response capacity allowing insect either to change with plastic divergence or to keep constant when facing different stressors or stimuli. EMMs function both at intra as well as transgenerational scales, playing important roles in insect ecology and evolution. We discuss on how EMMs pervasive influences in Insecta require not only the control of gene expression but also the dynamic interplay of EMMs with further regulatory levels, including genetic, physiological, behavioral, and environmental among others, as was earlier proposed by the Probabilistic Epigenesis model and Developmental System Theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Villagra
- Instituto de Entomología, Univ Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile.
| | - D Frías-Lasserre
- Instituto de Entomología, Univ Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile
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26
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Xu G, Yi Y, Lyu H, Gong C, Feng Q, Song Q, Peng X, Liu L, Zheng S. DNA methylation suppresses chitin degradation and promotes the wing development by inhibiting Bmara-mediated chitinase expression in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:34. [PMID: 32887667 PMCID: PMC7472703 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation, as an essential epigenetic modification found in mammals and plants, has been implicated to play an important role in insect reproduction. However, the functional role and the regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation during insect organ or tissue development are far from being clear. RESULTS Here, we found that DNA methylation inhibitor (5-aza-dC) treatment in newly molted pupae decreased the chitin content of pupal wing discs and adult wings and resulted in wing deformity of Bombyx mori. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the up-regulation of chitinase 10 (BmCHT10) gene might be related to the decrease of chitin content induced by 5-aza-dC treatment. Further, the luciferase activity assays demonstrated that DNA methylation suppressed the promoter activity of BmCHT10 by down-regulating the transcription factor, homeobox protein araucan (Bmara). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, DNA pull-down and chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Bmara directly bound to the BmCHT10 promoter. Therefore, DNA methylation is involved in keeping the structural integrity of the silkworm wings from unwanted chitin degradation, as a consequence, it promotes the wing development of B. mori. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that DNA methylation plays an important role in the wing development of B. mori. Our results support that the indirect transcriptional repression of a chitin degradation-related gene BmCHT10 by DNA methylation is necessary to keep the proper wing development in B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanfeng Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yangqin Yi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Hao Lyu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Chengcheng Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Xuezhen Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Sichun Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China. .,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Applied Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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27
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Hosseini S, Meunier C, Nguyen D, Reimegård J, Johannesson H. Comparative analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation in Neurospora. Epigenetics 2020; 15:972-987. [PMID: 32228351 PMCID: PMC7518705 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1741758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that plays an important role in genetic regulation in eukaryotes. Major progress has been made in dissecting the molecular pathways that regulate DNA methylation. Yet, little is known about DNA methylation variation over evolutionary time. Here we present an investigation of the variation of DNA methylation and transposable element (TE) content in species of the filamentous ascomycetes Neurospora. We generated genome-wide DNA methylation data at single-base resolution, together with genomic TE content and gene expression data, of 10 individuals representing five closely related Neurospora species. We found that the methylation levels were low (ranging from 1.3% to 2.5%) and varied among the genomes in a species-specific way. Furthermore, we found that the TEs over 400 bp long were targeted by DNA methylation, and in all genomes, high methylation correlated with low GC, confirming a conserved link between DNA methylation and Repeat Induced Point (RIP) mutations in this group of fungi. Both TE content and DNA methylation pattern showed phylogenetic signal, and the species with the highest TE load (N. crassa) also exhibited the highest methylation level per TE. Our results suggest that DNA methylation is an evolvable trait and indicate that the genomes of Neurospora are shaped by an evolutionary arms race between TEs and host defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hosseini
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cécile Meunier
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department ECOBIO, UMR CNRS 6553, Université Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Diem Nguyen
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Reimegård
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanna Johannesson
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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28
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Wang X, Kelkar YD, Xiong X, Martinson EO, Lynch J, Zhang C, Werren JH, Wang X. Genome Report: Whole Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Parasitoid Jewel Wasp Nasonia giraulti Laboratory Strain RV2X[u]. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:2565-2572. [PMID: 32571804 PMCID: PMC7407473 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Jewel wasps in the genus of Nasonia are parasitoids with haplodiploidy sex determination, rapid development and are easy to culture in the laboratory. They are excellent models for insect genetics, genomics, epigenetics, development, and evolution. Nasonia vitripennis (Nv) and N. giraulti (Ng) are closely-related species that can be intercrossed, particularly after removal of the intracellular bacterium Wolbachia, which serve as a powerful tool to map and positionally clone morphological, behavioral, expression and methylation phenotypes. The Nv reference genome was assembled using Sanger, PacBio and Nanopore approaches and annotated with extensive RNA-seq data. In contrast, Ng genome is only available through low coverage resequencing. Therefore, de novo Ng assembly is in urgent need to advance this system. In this study, we report a high-quality Ng assembly using 10X Genomics linked-reads with 670X sequencing depth. The current assembly has a genome size of 259,040,977 bp in 3,160 scaffolds with 38.05% G-C and a 98.6% BUSCO completeness score. 97% of the RNA reads are perfectly aligned to the genome, indicating high quality in contiguity and completeness. A total of 14,777 genes are annotated in the Ng genome, and 72% of the annotated genes have a one-to-one ortholog in the Nv genome. We reported 5 million Ng-Nv SNPs which will facility mapping and population genomic studies in Nasonia In addition, 42 Ng-specific genes were identified by comparing with Nv genome and annotation. This is the first de novo assembly for this important species in the Nasonia model system, providing a useful new genomic toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, AL 36849
| | | | - Xiao Xiong
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, AL 36849
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, China
| | - Ellen O Martinson
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Jeremy Lynch
- Department of Biological Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60607
| | - Chao Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, China
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, NY 14627
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, AL 36849,
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806
- Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, AL 36849, and
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, AL 36849
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29
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Özbek R, Mukherjee K, Uçkan F, Vilcinskas A. Reprograming of epigenetic mechanisms controlling host insect immunity and development in response to egg-laying by a parasitoid wasp. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200704. [PMID: 32519598 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitoids are insects that use other insects as hosts. They sabotage host cellular and humoral defences to promote the survival of their offspring by injecting viruses and venoms along with their eggs. Many pathogens and parasites disrupt host epigenetic mechanisms to overcome immune system defences, and we hypothesized that parasitoids may use the same strategy. We used the ichneumon wasp Pimpla turionellae as a model idiobiont parasitoid to test this hypothesis, with pupae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella as the host. We found that parasitoid infestation involves the suppression of host immunity-related effector genes and the modulation of host genes involved in developmental hormone signalling. The transcriptional reprogramming of host genes following the injection of parasitoid eggs was associated with changes in host epigenetic mechanisms. The introduction of parasitoids resulted in a transient decrease in host global DNA methylation and the modulation of acetylation ratios for specific histones. Genes encoding regulators of histone acetylation and deacetylation were mostly downregulated in the parasitized pupae, suggesting that parasitoids can suppress host transcription. We also detected a strong parasitoid-specific effect on host microRNAs regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Our data therefore support the hypothesis that parasitoids may favour the survival of their offspring by interfering with host epigenetic mechanisms to suppress the immune system and disrupt development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Özbek
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Krishnendu Mukherjee
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Fevzi Uçkan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Literature, Kocaeli University, 41380 Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich Buff Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany.,LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
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30
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Lewis SH, Ross L, Bain SA, Pahita E, Smith SA, Cordaux R, Miska EA, Lenhard B, Jiggins FM, Sarkies P. ------Widespread conservation and lineage-specific diversification of genome-wide DNA methylation patterns across arthropods. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008864. [PMID: 32584820 PMCID: PMC7343188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytosine methylation is an ancient epigenetic modification yet its function and extent within genomes is highly variable across eukaryotes. In mammals, methylation controls transposable elements and regulates the promoters of genes. In insects, DNA methylation is generally restricted to a small subset of transcribed genes, with both intergenic regions and transposable elements (TEs) depleted of methylation. The evolutionary origin and the function of these methylation patterns are poorly understood. Here we characterise the evolution of DNA methylation across the arthropod phylum. While the common ancestor of the arthropods had low levels of TE methylation and did not methylate promoters, both of these functions have evolved independently in centipedes and mealybugs. In contrast, methylation of the exons of a subset of transcribed genes is ancestral and widely conserved across the phylum, but has been lost in specific lineages. A similar set of genes is methylated in all species that retained exon-enriched methylation. We show that these genes have characteristic patterns of expression correlating to broad transcription initiation sites and well-positioned nucleosomes, providing new insights into potential mechanisms driving methylation patterns over hundreds of millions of years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H. Lewis
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ross
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stevie A. Bain
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Pahita
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Smith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Richard Cordaux
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions Universite de Poitiers, France
| | - Eric A. Miska
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Boris Lenhard
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Francis M. Jiggins
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Sarkies
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Xia S, Pannebakker BA, Groenen MAM, Zwaan BJ, Bijma P. Quantitative genetics of wing morphology in the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis: hosts increase sibling similarity. Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 125:40-49. [PMID: 32427890 PMCID: PMC7413264 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-0318-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The central aim of evolutionary biology is to understand patterns of genetic variation between species and within populations. To quantify the genetic variation underlying intraspecific differences, estimating quantitative genetic parameters of traits is essential. In Pterygota, wing morphology is an important trait affecting flight ability. Moreover, gregarious parasitoids such as Nasonia vitripennis oviposit multiple eggs in the same host, and siblings thus share a common environment during their development. Here we estimate the genetic parameters of wing morphology in the outbred HVRx population of N. vitripennis, using a sire-dam model adapted to haplodiploids and disentangled additive genetic and host effects. The results show that the wing-size traits have low heritability (h2 ~ 0.1), while most wing-shape traits have roughly twice the heritability compared with wing-size traits. However, the estimates increased to h2 ~ 0.6 for wing-size traits when omitting the host effect from the statistical model, while no meaningful increases were observed for wing-shape traits. Overall, host effects contributed to ~50% of the variation in wing-size traits. This indicates that hosts have a large effect on wing-size traits, about fivefold more than genetics. Moreover, bivariate analyses were conducted to derive the genetic relationships among traits. Overall, we demonstrate the evolutionary potential for morphological traits in the N. vitripennis HVRx-outbred population, and report the host effects on wing morphology. Our findings can contribute to a further dissection of the genetics underlying wing morphology in N. vitripennis, with relevance for gregarious parasitoids and possibly other insects as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Xia
- Wageningen University & Research, Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Genetics, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart A Pannebakker
- Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Genetics, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martien A M Groenen
- Wageningen University & Research, Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas J Zwaan
- Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Genetics, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Piter Bijma
- Wageningen University & Research, Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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32
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Distinct epigenomic and transcriptomic modifications associated with Wolbachia-mediated asexuality. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008397. [PMID: 32187233 PMCID: PMC7105135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia are maternally transmitted intracellular bacteria that induce a range of pathogenic and fitness-altering effects on insect and nematode hosts. In parasitoid wasps of the genus Trichogramma, Wolbachia infection induces asexual production of females, thus increasing transmission of Wolbachia. It has been hypothesized that Wolbachia infection accompanies a modification of the host epigenome. However, to date, data on genome-wide epigenomic changes associated with Wolbachia are limited, and are often confounded by background genetic differences. Here, we took sexually reproducing Trichogramma free of Wolbachia and introgressed their genome into a Wolbachia-infected cytoplasm, converting them to Wolbachia-mediated asexuality. Wolbachia was then cured from replicates of these introgressed lines, allowing us to examine the genome-wide effects of wasps newly converted to asexual reproduction while controlling for genetic background. We thus identified gene expression and DNA methylation changes associated with Wolbachia-infection. We found no overlaps between differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated genes, indicating that Wolbachia-infection associated DNA methylation change does not directly modulate levels of gene expression. Furthermore, genes affected by these mechanisms exhibit distinct evolutionary histories. Genes differentially methylated due to the infection tended to be evolutionarily conserved. In contrast, differentially expressed genes were significantly more likely to be unique to the Trichogramma lineage, suggesting host-specific transcriptomic responses to infection. Nevertheless, we identified several novel aspects of Wolbachia-associated DNA methylation changes. Differentially methylated genes included those involved in oocyte development and chromosome segregation. Interestingly, Wolbachia-infection was associated with higher levels of DNA methylation. Additionally, Wolbachia infection reduced overall variability in gene expression, even after accounting for the effect of DNA methylation. We also identified specific cases where alternative exon usage was associated with DNA methylation changes due to Wolbachia infection. These results begin to reveal distinct genes and molecular pathways subject to Wolbachia induced epigenetic modification and/or host responses to Wolbachia-infection. Wolbachia is an extremely common endosymbiotic infection of arthropods and nematodes. One of the reasons why Wolbachia can so successfully infect diverse species is the bacterium’s ability to profoundly alter the reproductive behavior of its host. It has been proposed that Wolbachia may modify host’s epigenetic programs to alter its reproductive behavior. However, it has been difficult to study how epigenetic programs change with Wolbachia infection, due to the confounding effects of genetic backgrounds. Here, we studied host transcriptome and epigenome changes associated with Wolbachia infection in a homogenous genetic background, by carrying out an innovative introgression scheme. By doing so, we show, for the first time, high-resolution molecular consequences of intracellular infection and offer insights into epigenetic and transcriptomic regulation of invertebrates.
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33
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Bicho RC, Roelofs D, Mariën J, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Amorim MJB. Epigenetic effects of (nano)materials in environmental species - Cu case study in Enchytraeus crypticus. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 136:105447. [PMID: 31924578 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Chemical stressors can induce epigenomic changes, i.e., changes that are transferred to the next generation, even when the stressor is removed. Literature on chemical induced epigenetic effects in environmental species is scarce. We here provide the first results on epigenetic effects caused by nanomaterials with an environmental OECD standard soil model species Enchytraeus crypticus species. We assessed the epigenetic potential in terms of global DNA methylation, gene-specific methylation via bisulfite sequencing and MS-HRM (Methylation Sensitive - High Resolution Melting), and gene expression qPCR for genes involved in DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA and stress response mechanisms). We have exposed E. crypticus in a multigenerational (MG) test design to Cu (copper oxide nanomaterials (CuO NMs) and copper salt (CuCl2)). To link possible epigenetic effects to population changes, we used exposure concentrations (ECx) that caused a 10% and 50% reduction in the reproductive output (10% and 50% are the standards for regulatory Risk Assessment), the organisms were exposed for five consecutive generations (F1-F5) plus two generations after transferring to clean media (F5-F7), 7 generations in a total of 224 days. Results showed that MG exposure to Cu increased global DNA methylation and corresponded with phenotypic effects (reproduction). Gene expression analyses showed changes in the epigenetic, stress and detoxification gene targets, depending on the generation and Cu form, also occurring in post-exposure generations, hence indicative of transgenerational effects. There were in general clear differences between organisms exposed to different Cu-forms, hence indicate nanoparticulate-specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Bicho
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dick Roelofs
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janine Mariën
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janeck J Scott-Fordsmand
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsovej 25, PO BOX 314, DK-8600 Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Kotsarenko K, Vechtova P, Hammerova Z, Langova N, Malinovska L, Wimmerova M, Sterba J, Grubhoffer L. Newly identified DNA methyltransferases of Ixodes ricinus ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Omar MA, Li M, Liu F, He K, Qasim M, Xiao H, Jiang M, Li F. The Roles of DNA Methyltransferases 1 (DNMT1) in Regulating Sexual Dimorphism in the Cotton Mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11020121. [PMID: 32059417 PMCID: PMC7074402 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, is an invasive pest that can cause massive damage to many host plants of agricultural importance. P. solenopsis is highly polyphagous, and shows extreme sexual dimorphism between males and females. The functions of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes in the cotton mealybug have not been well studied. Here, we carried out an investigation of DNMTs in cotton mealybug to study their roles in sexual dimorphism. We found that the cotton mealybug has two copies of PsDnmt1, but Dnmt3 is absent. We then amplified the full-length cDNAs of PsDnmt1A (2,225 bp) and PsDnmt1B (2,862 bp) using rapid amplification cDNA ends (RACE). Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR shows that both PsDnmt1A and PsDnmt1B are highly expressed in adult males, while the expression of PsDnmt1B is 30-fold higher in gravid females than in virgin females. We knocked down PsDnmt1A and PsDnmt1B with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and both genes were successfully down-regulated after 24 h or 72 h in adult females and pupa (t-test, p < 0.05). Down-regulating the expression of these two DNMT genes led to offspring lethality and abnormal body color in adult females. Furthermore, the silencing of PsDnmt1B induced abnormal wing development in emerged adult males. Our results provide evidence that PsDnmt1 plays a crucial role in regulating sexual dimorphism in the cotton mealybug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A.A. Omar
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China (M.L.); (F.L.); (K.H.); (M.Q.); (H.X.); (M.J.)
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria 21531, Egypt
| | - Meizhen Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China (M.L.); (F.L.); (K.H.); (M.Q.); (H.X.); (M.J.)
| | - Feiling Liu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China (M.L.); (F.L.); (K.H.); (M.Q.); (H.X.); (M.J.)
| | - Kang He
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China (M.L.); (F.L.); (K.H.); (M.Q.); (H.X.); (M.J.)
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China (M.L.); (F.L.); (K.H.); (M.Q.); (H.X.); (M.J.)
| | - Huamei Xiao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China (M.L.); (F.L.); (K.H.); (M.Q.); (H.X.); (M.J.)
- College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment/Key Laboratory of Crop Growth and Development Regulation, Yichun University, Jiangxi Province, Yichun 336000, China
| | - Mingxing Jiang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China (M.L.); (F.L.); (K.H.); (M.Q.); (H.X.); (M.J.)
| | - Fei Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects/Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China (M.L.); (F.L.); (K.H.); (M.Q.); (H.X.); (M.J.)
- Correspondence:
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Li B, Hu P, Zhu LB, You LL, Cao HH, Wang J, Zhang SZ, Liu MH, Toufeeq S, Huang SJ, Xu JP. DNA Methylation Is Correlated with Gene Expression during Diapause Termination of Early Embryonic Development in the Silkworm ( Bombyx mori). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E671. [PMID: 31968548 PMCID: PMC7013401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA modification is a naturally occurring DNA modification in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and is involved in several biological processes. Although genome-wide methylation has been studied in many insects, the understanding of global and genomic DNA methylation during insect early embryonic development, is lacking especially for insect diapause. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between DNA methylomes and transcriptomes in diapause-destined eggs compared to diapause-terminated eggs in the silkworm, Bombyx mori (B. mori). The results revealed that methylation was sparse in this species, as previously reported. Moreover, methylation levels in diapause-terminated eggs (HCl-treated) were 0.05% higher than in non-treated eggs, mainly due to the contribution of CG methylation sites. Methylation tends to occur in the coding sequences and promoter regions, especially at transcription initiation sites and short interspersed elements. Additionally, 364 methylome- and transcriptome-associated genes were identified, which showed significant differences in methylation and expression levels in diapause-destined eggs when compared with diapause-terminated eggs, and 74% of methylome and transcriptome associated genes showed both hypermethylation and elevated expression. Most importantly, Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that methylation may be positively associated with Bombyx mori embryonic development, by regulating cell differentiation, metabolism, apoptosis pathways and phosphorylation. Through analyzing the G2/M phase-specific E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (G2E3), we speculate that methylation may affect embryo diapause by regulating the cell cycle in Bombyx mori. These findings will help unravel potential linkages between DNA methylation and gene expression during early insect embryonic development and insect diapause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Institute of Sericulture, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230061, Anhui, China;
| | - Pei Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Lin-Bao Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Ling-Ling You
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Hui-Hua Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Shang-Zhi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Ming-Hui Liu
- Institute of Sericulture, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230061, Anhui, China;
| | - Shahzad Toufeeq
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Shou-Jun Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Jia-Ping Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; (B.L.); (P.H.); (L.-B.Z.); (L.-L.Y.); (H.-H.C.); (J.W.); (S.-Z.Z.); (S.T.)
- Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
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Rago A, Werren JH, Colbourne JK. Sex biased expression and co-expression networks in development, using the hymenopteran Nasonia vitripennis. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008518. [PMID: 31986136 PMCID: PMC7004391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism requires regulation of gene expression in developing organisms. These developmental differences are caused by differential expression of genes and isoforms. The effect of expressing a gene is also influenced by which other genes are simultaneously expressed (functional interactions). However, few studies have described how these processes change across development. We compare the dynamics of differential expression, isoform switching and functional interactions in the sexual development of the model parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis, a system that permits genome wide analysis of sex bias from early embryos to adults. We find relatively little sex-bias in embryos and larvae at the gene level, but several sub-networks show sex-biased functional interactions in early developmental stages. These networks provide new candidates for hymenopteran sex determination, including histone modification. In contrast, sex-bias in pupae and adults is driven by the differential expression of genes. We observe sex-biased isoform switching consistently across development, but mostly in genes that are already differentially expressed. Finally, we discover that sex-biased networks are enriched by genes specific to the Nasonia clade, and that those genes possess the topological properties of key regulators. These findings suggest that regulators in sex-biased networks evolve more rapidly than regulators of other developmental networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Rago
- School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - John H. Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - John K. Colbourne
- School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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de Mendoza A, Lister R, Bogdanovic O. Evolution of DNA Methylome Diversity in Eukaryotes. J Mol Biol 2019:S0022-2836(19)30659-X. [PMID: 31726061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cytosine DNA methylation (5mC) is a widespread base modification in eukaryotic genomes with critical roles in transcriptional regulation. In recent years, our understanding of 5mC has changed because of advances in 5mC detection techniques that allow mapping of this mark on the whole genome scale. Profiling DNA methylomes from organisms across the eukaryotic tree of life has reshaped our views on the evolution of 5mC. In this review, we explore the macroevolution of 5mC in major eukaryotic groups, and then focus on recent advances made in animals. Genomic 5mC patterns as well as the mechanisms of 5mC deposition tend to be evolutionary labile across large phylogenetic distances; however, some common patterns are starting to emerge. Within the animal kingdom, 5mC diversity has proven to be much greater than anticipated. For example, a previously held common view that genome hypermethylation is a trait exclusive to vertebrates has recently been challenged. Also, data from genome-wide studies are starting to yield insights into the potential roles of 5mC in invertebrate cis regulation. Here we provide an evolutionary perspective of both the well-known and enigmatic roles of 5mC across the eukaryotic tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex de Mendoza
- ARC CoE Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Ryan Lister
- ARC CoE Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ozren Bogdanovic
- Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Kumari K, Rai MP, Bansal N, Rama Prashat G, Kumari S, Krishnan V, Srivathsa R, Dahuja A, Sachdev A, Praveen S, Vinutha T. Analysis of γ-Tocopherol methyl transferase3 promoter activity and study of methylation patterns of the promoter and its gene body. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2019; 144:375-385. [PMID: 31622940 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Soybeans are known for its good source of protein (40%), oil (20%) and also serve as a source of nutraceutical compounds including tocopherols (toc). To know the molecular basis of differential α-toc accumulation in two contrasting soybean genotypes: DS74 (low α-toc - 1.36 μg/g and total-toc -29.72 μg/g) and Bragg (high α-toc - 10.48 μg/g and total-toc 178.91 μg/g), the analysis of γ-TMT3 promoter activity and its methylation patterns were carried out. The sequencing results revealed nucleotide variation between Bragg:γ-TMT3-P and DS74:γ-TMT3-P, however none of the variations were found in core-promoter region or in cis-elements. The histochemical GUS assay revealed higher promoter activity of Bragg:γ-TMT3-P than that of DS74:γ-TMT3-P and correlated with significantly higher and lower (P < 0.05) expression of γ-TMT3 gene respectively. To know the molecular basis of differential accumulation of α-toc in these contrasting soybean genotypes, the DNA methylation pattern of γ-TMT3 gene body and its promoter was studied in both varieties. The results showed higher percentage (62.5%) of methylation in DS74:γ-TMT3-P than in Bragg:γ-TMT3-P (50%). Out of all the methylation sites in the promoter region, one of methylation site was found at CAAT box (-190 bp) of DS74:γ-TMT3-P. Further gene body methylation patterns revealed lowest % (40%) of CG methylation in DS74:γ-TMT3 gene as compared to Bragg:γ-TMT3 (64.2%). Thus our study revealed that, expression of γ-TMT3 gene was influenced by its promoter activity and methylation patterns in cis-elements of γ-TMT3 promoter and gene body. This study will help us to understand the possible role of methylation and promoter activity in determining the α-toc content in soybean seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Kumari
- Division of Biochemistry, IARI, New Delhi, 110012, India; Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | | | - Navita Bansal
- Division of Biochemistry, IARI, New Delhi, 110012, India; Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | | | - Sweta Kumari
- Division of Biochemistry, IARI, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Veda Krishnan
- Division of Biochemistry, IARI, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Rohini Srivathsa
- National Research Centre for Plant Biotechnology, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Anil Dahuja
- Division of Biochemistry, IARI, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | | | - Shelly Praveen
- Division of Biochemistry, IARI, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - T Vinutha
- Division of Biochemistry, IARI, New Delhi, 110012, India.
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Harris KD, Lloyd JPB, Domb K, Zilberman D, Zemach A. DNA methylation is maintained with high fidelity in the honey bee germline and exhibits global non-functional fluctuations during somatic development. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:62. [PMID: 31601251 PMCID: PMC6786280 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-019-0307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation of active genes, also known as gene body methylation, is found in many animal and plant genomes. Despite this, the transcriptional and developmental role of such methylation remains poorly understood. Here, we explore the dynamic range of DNA methylation in honey bee, a model organism for gene body methylation. RESULTS Our data show that CG methylation in gene bodies globally fluctuates during honey bee development. However, these changes cause no gene expression alterations. Intriguingly, despite the global alterations, tissue-specific CG methylation patterns of complete genes or exons are rare, implying robust maintenance of genic methylation during development. Additionally, we show that CG methylation maintenance fluctuates in somatic cells, while reaching maximum fidelity in sperm cells. Finally, unlike universally present CG methylation, we discovered non-CG methylation specifically in bee heads that resembles such methylation in mammalian brain tissue. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, we propose that gene body CG methylation can oscillate during development if it is kept to a level adequate to preserve function. Additionally, our data suggest that heightened non-CG methylation is a conserved regulator of animal nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith D Harris
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - James P B Lloyd
- Center for RNA Systems Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Katherine Domb
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Zilberman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Center, Norwich, UK.
| | - Assaf Zemach
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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Marshall H, Lonsdale ZN, Mallon EB. Methylation and gene expression differences between reproductive and sterile bumblebee workers. Evol Lett 2019; 3:485-499. [PMID: 31636941 PMCID: PMC6791180 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is the production of multiple phenotypes from a single genome and is notably observed in social insects. Multiple epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with social insect plasticity, with DNA methylation being explored to the greatest extent. DNA methylation is thought to play a role in caste determination in Apis mellifera, and other social insects, but there is limited knowledge on its role in other bee species. In this study, we analyzed whole genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA-seq data sets from head tissue of reproductive and sterile castes of the eusocial bumblebee Bombus terrestris. We found that genome-wide methylation in B. terrestris is similar to other holometabolous insects and does not differ between reproductive castes. We did, however, find differentially methylated genes between castes, which are enriched for multiple biological processes including reproduction. However, we found no relationship between differential methylation and differential gene expression or differential exon usage between castes. Our results also indicate high intercolony variation in methylation. These findings suggest that methylation is associated with caste differences but may serve an alternate function, other than direct caste determination in this species. This study provides the first insights into the nature of a bumblebee caste-specific methylome as well as its interaction with gene expression and caste-specific alternative splicing, providing greater understanding of the role of methylation in phenotypic plasticity within social bee species. Future experimental work is needed to determine the function of methylation and other epigenetic mechanisms in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollie Marshall
- Department of Genetics and Genome BiologyThe University of LeicesterLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Zoë N. Lonsdale
- Department of Genetics and Genome BiologyThe University of LeicesterLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Eamonn B. Mallon
- Department of Genetics and Genome BiologyThe University of LeicesterLeicesterUnited Kingdom
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Chen W, Dong Y, Lin L, Saqib HSA, Ma X, Xu X, Zhang L, Jing X, Peng L, Wang Y, Vasseur L, He W, You M. Implication for DNA methylation involved in the host transfer of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 102:e21600. [PMID: 31328824 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation exerts extensive impacts on gene expression of various living organisms exposed to environmental variation. However, little is known whether DNA methylation is involved in the host transfer of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide destructive pest of crucifers. In this study, we found that P. xylostella genome exhibited a relatively low level of DNA methylation on the basis of the CpG O/E prediction and experimental validation. A significant positive linear correlation was observed between the stage-specific expressions of PxDNMT1 and DNA methylation levels (5mC content). Particularly, high levels of DNA methylation and gene expression of PxDNMT1 were observed in eggs and mature females of P. xylostella. After host transfer of P. xylostella from Raphanus sativus to Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified some potential genomic loci that might have changed methylation levels. Using the method of fluorescence-labeled methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (F-MSAP), we also found the corresponding genes primarily involved in neural system and signaling. The expressions of six candidate genes were verified by qRT-PCR. One of the genes, Px009600, might be regulated by a DNA methylation-mediated mechanism in response to host transfer. Our study provides evidence for a functional system of DNA methylation in P. xylostella and its possible role in adaptation during host transfer. Further studies should examine methylation as responsive factors to different host plants and environmental cues in insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lianyun Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hafiz Sohaib Ahmed Saqib
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Jing
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Weiyi He
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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de Mendoza A, Hatleberg WL, Pang K, Leininger S, Bogdanovic O, Pflueger J, Buckberry S, Technau U, Hejnol A, Adamska M, Degnan BM, Degnan SM, Lister R. Convergent evolution of a vertebrate-like methylome in a marine sponge. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 3:1464-1473. [PMID: 31558833 PMCID: PMC6783312 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrates have highly methylated genomes at CpG positions whereas invertebrates have sparsely methylated genomes. This increase in methylation content is considered a major regulatory innovation of vertebrate genomes. However, here we report that a marine sponge, proposed as the sister group to the rest of animals, has a highly methylated genome. Despite major differences in genome size and architecture, we find similarities between the independent acquisitions of the hypermethylated state. Both lineages show genome wide CpG depletion, conserved strong transcription factor methyl-sensitivity, and developmental methylation dynamics at 5-hydroxymethylcytosine enriched regions. Together, our findings trace back patterns associated with DNA methylation in vertebrates to the early steps of animal evolution. Thus, the sponge methylome challenges prior hypotheses concerning the uniqueness of vertebrate genome hypermethylation and its implications for regulatory complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex de Mendoza
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. .,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - William L Hatleberg
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin Pang
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sven Leininger
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ozren Bogdanovic
- Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jahnvi Pflueger
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sam Buckberry
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ulrich Technau
- Department for Molecular Evolution and Development, Centre of Organismal Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Hejnol
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maja Adamska
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Bernard M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandie M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ryan Lister
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. .,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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44
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Mathers TC, Mugford ST, Percival-Alwyn L, Chen Y, Kaithakottil G, Swarbreck D, Hogenhout SA, van Oosterhout C. Sex-specific changes in the aphid DNA methylation landscape. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:4228-4241. [PMID: 31472081 PMCID: PMC6857007 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aphids present an ideal system to study epigenetics as they can produce diverse, but genetically identical, morphs in response to environmental stimuli. Here, using whole genome bisulphite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing of the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), we present the first detailed analysis of cytosine methylation in an aphid and investigate differences in the methylation and transcriptional landscapes of male and asexual female morphs. We found that methylation primarily occurs in a CG dinucleotide (CpG) context and that exons are highly enriched for methylated CpGs, particularly at the 3' end of genes. Methylation is positively associated with gene expression, and methylated genes are more stably expressed than unmethylated genes. Male and asexual female morphs have distinct methylation profiles. Strikingly, these profiles are divergent between the sex chromosome and the autosomes; autosomal genes are hypomethylated in males compared to asexual females, whereas genes belonging to the sex chromosome, which is haploid in males, are hypermethylated. Overall, we found correlated changes in methylation and gene expression between males and asexual females, and this correlation was particularly strong for genes located on the sex chromosome. Our results suggest that differential methylation of sex-biased genes plays a role in aphid sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Mathers
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Sam T Mugford
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Yazhou Chen
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | | | | | - Saskia A Hogenhout
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Cock van Oosterhout
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
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45
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Schmitz RJ, Lewis ZA, Goll MG. DNA Methylation: Shared and Divergent Features across Eukaryotes. Trends Genet 2019; 35:818-827. [PMID: 31399242 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modification of nucleotide bases in DNA provides one mechanism for conveying information in addition to the genetic code. 5-methylcytosine (5mC) represents the most common chemically modified base in eukaryotic genomes. Sometimes referred to simply as DNA methylation, in eukaryotes 5mC is most prevalent at CpG dinucleotides and is frequently associated with transcriptional repression of transposable elements. However, 5mC levels and distributions are variable across phylogenies, and emerging evidence suggests that the functions of DNA methylation may be more diverse and complex than was previously appreciated. We summarize the current understanding of DNA methylation profiles and functions in different eukaryotic lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Schmitz
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Zachary A Lewis
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Mary G Goll
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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46
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Huh I, Wu X, Park T, Yi SV. Detecting differential DNA methylation from sequencing of bisulfite converted DNA of diverse species. Brief Bioinform 2019; 20:33-46. [PMID: 28981571 PMCID: PMC6357555 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbx077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the most extensively studied epigenetic modifications of genomic DNA. In recent years, sequencing of bisulfite-converted DNA, particularly via next-generation sequencing technologies, has become a widely popular method to study DNA methylation. This method can be readily applied to a variety of species, dramatically expanding the scope of DNA methylation studies beyond the traditionally studied human and mouse systems. In parallel to the increasing wealth of genomic methylation profiles, many statistical tools have been developed to detect differentially methylated loci (DMLs) or differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between biological conditions. We discuss and summarize several key properties of currently available tools to detect DMLs and DMRs from sequencing of bisulfite-converted DNA. However, the majority of the statistical tools developed for DML/DMR analyses have been validated using only mammalian data sets, and less priority has been placed on the analyses of invertebrate or plant DNA methylation data. We demonstrate that genomic methylation profiles of non-mammalian species are often highly distinct from those of mammalian species using examples of honey bees and humans. We then discuss how such differences in data properties may affect statistical analyses. Based on these differences, we provide three specific recommendations to improve the power and accuracy of DML and DMR analyses of invertebrate data when using currently available statistical tools. These considerations should facilitate systematic and robust analyses of DNA methylation from diverse species, thus advancing our understanding of DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iksoo Huh
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Xin Wu
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Taesung Park
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University
| | - Soojin V Yi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology
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47
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Cook N, Parker DJ, Tauber E, Pannebakker BA, Shuker DM. Validating the Demethylating Effects of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine in Insects Requires a Whole-Genome Approach. Am Nat 2019; 194:432-438. [PMID: 31553206 DOI: 10.1086/704248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that treatment with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) alters the offspring sex ratios produced by females of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis. Females allocate offspring sex ratio in line with local mate competition theory, producing more or less female-biased sex ratios as the number of other females laying eggs on a patch varies, thereby reducing competition among their sons for mates. Interestingly, treatment with 5-aza-dC did not ablate the facultative sex allocation response. Instead, sex ratios became less female biased, a shift in the direction of the optimum sex ratio for paternally inherited alleles according to genomic conflict theory. This was the first (albeit indirect) experimental evidence for genomic conflict over sex allocation. In their comment, Ellers and colleagues assayed the effects of 5-aza-dC on DNA methylation in 10 Nasonia genes, finding no evidence of demethylation in these 10 genes, from which they conclude that 5-aza-dC has no demethylating capability in N. vitripennis. Quantifying the efficacy of 5-aza-dC in terms of demethylation is indeed crucial to in-depth interpretation of studies using 5-aza-dC to link phenotypes to epigenetic regulation. Here we outline the mode of action of 5-aza-dC and demonstrate that determining the efficacy of 5-aza-dC in insect systems requires a whole-genome approach.
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Ellers J, Visser M, Mariën J, Kraaijeveld K, Lammers M. The Importance of Validating the Demethylating Effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine in Model Species (A Comment on Cook et al., "DNA Methylation and Sex Allocation in the Parasitoid Wasp Nasonia vitripennis"). Am Nat 2019; 194:422-431. [PMID: 31553212 DOI: 10.1086/704247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The use of DNA demethylating agents has been popular in epigenetic studies. Recently, Cook and colleagues, in a 2015 American Naturalist article, claimed an effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) on the sex ratio of a parasitoid wasp without verifying its effect on DNA methylation. We repeated the 5-aza-dC feeding treatment to test its effectiveness. We used bisulfite amplicon sequencing of 10 genes that either were heavily methylated, previously showed a response to 5-aza-dC, or were suggested to regulate fatty acid synthesis epigenetically, and we demonstrate that wasps fed 5-aza-dC did not show reduced DNA methylation at these loci. Therefore, the conclusion that demethylation shifts sex ratios upward needs reconsideration.
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49
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Bebane PSA, Hunt BJ, Pegoraro M, Jones ARC, Marshall H, Rosato E, Mallon EB. The effects of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid on gene expression and DNA methylation in the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20190718. [PMID: 31213186 PMCID: PMC6599982 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are effective insecticides used on many important arable and horticultural crops. They are nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists which disrupt the function of insect neurons and cause paralysis and death. In addition to direct mortality, there are numerous sublethal effects of low doses of neonicotinoids on bees. We hypothesize that some of these large array of effects could be a consequence of epigenetic changes in bees induced by neonicotinoids. We compared whole methylome (BS-seq) and RNA-seq libraries of the brains of buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris workers exposed to field-realistic doses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid to libraries from control workers. We found numerous genes which show differential expression between neonicotinoid-treated bees and control bees, but no differentially methylated cytosines in any context. We found CpG methylation to be focused mainly in exons and associated with highly expressed genes. We discuss the implications of our results for future legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S A Bebane
- 1 Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road , Leicester LE1 7RH , UK
| | - B J Hunt
- 2 School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, John Moores University Liverpool , Liverpool L3 3AF , UK
| | - M Pegoraro
- 1 Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road , Leicester LE1 7RH , UK
| | - A R C Jones
- 1 Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road , Leicester LE1 7RH , UK
| | - H Marshall
- 1 Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road , Leicester LE1 7RH , UK
| | - E Rosato
- 1 Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road , Leicester LE1 7RH , UK
| | - E B Mallon
- 1 Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road , Leicester LE1 7RH , UK
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50
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Ho PT, Rhee H, Kim J, Seo C, Park JK, Young CR, Won YJ. Impacts of Salt Stress on Locomotor and Transcriptomic Responses in the Intertidal Gastropod Batillaria attramentaria. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2019; 236:224-241. [PMID: 31167089 DOI: 10.1086/703186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Salinity is one of the most crucial environmental factors that structures biogeographic boundaries of aquatic organisms, affecting distribution, abundance, and behavior. However, the association between behavior and gene regulation underlying acclimation to changes in salinity remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of salinity stress on behavior (movement distance) and patterns of gene expression (using RNA sequencing) of the intertidal gastropod Batillaria attramentaria. We examined responses to short-term (1-hour) and long-term (30-day) acclimation to a range of salinities (43, 33 [control], 23, 13, and 3 psu). We found that the intertidal B. attramentaria is able to tolerate a broad range of salinity from 13 to 43 psu but not the acute low salinity of 3 psu. Behavioral experiments showed that salt stress significantly influenced snails' movement, with lower salinity resulting in shorter movement distance. Transcriptomic analyses revealed critical metabolic pathways and genes potentially involved in acclimation to salinity stress, including ionic and osmotic regulation, signal and hormonal transduction pathways, water exchange, cell protection, and gene regulation or epigenetic modification. In general, our study presents a robust, integrative laboratory-based approach to investigate the effects of salt stress on a nonmodel gastropod facing detrimental consequences of environmental change. The current genetic results provide a wealth of reference data for further research on mechanisms of ionic and osmotic regulation and adaptive evolution of this coastal gastropod.
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Key Words
- AICC, corrected Akaike Information Criterion
- ATP, adenosine triphosphate
- DEG, differentially expressed gene
- FAA, free amino acid
- FDR, false discovery rate
- GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid
- Hsp, heat shock protein
- LMM, linear mixed-effects model
- MDS, multidimensional scaling
- RNA-Seq, RNA sequencing.
- fc, fold change
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