Active genic machinery for epigenetic RNA modifications in bees

Author(s)

Bataglia, L. ^[1] ; Simoes, Z. L. P. ^{[2, 1]} ; Nunes, F. M. F. ^{[1, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Genet, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Genet & Evolucao, Ctr Ciencias Biol & Saude, Rod Washington Luis Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Insect Molecular Biology; v. 30, n. 6 AUG 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Epitranscriptomics is an emerging field of investigation dedicated to the study of post-transcriptional RNA modifications. RNA methylations regulate RNA metabolism and processing, including changes in response to environmental cues. Although RNA modifications are conserved from bacteria to eukaryotes, there is little evidence of an epitranscriptomic pathway in insects. Here we identified genes related to RNA m(6)A (N6-methyladenine) and m(5)C (5-methylcytosine) methylation machinery in seven bee genomes (Apis mellifera, Melipona quadrifasciata, Frieseomelitta varia, Eufriesea mexicana, Bombus terrestris, Megachile rotundata and Dufourea novaeangliae). In A. mellifera, we validated the expression of methyltransferase genes and found that the global levels of m(6)A and m(5)C measured in the fat body and brain of adult workers differ significantly. Also, m(6)A levels were differed significantly mainly between the fourth larval instar of queens and workers. Moreover, we found a conserved m(5)C site in the honeybee 28S rRNA. Taken together, we confirm the existence of epitranscriptomic machinery acting in bees and open avenues for future investigations on RNA epigenetics in a wide spectrum of hymenopteran species. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/06657-0 - Analysis of the endocrine system and circadian cycle as modulators of Apis mellifera development
• Grantee: Zilá Luz Paulino Simões
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/02374-1 - Proposal of an interaction network of Notch, Wnt, Hippo, TGF-B, IIS, and EGFR signaling pathways and the reproductive capacity of eusocial bees Apini and Meliponini
• Grantee: Zilá Luz Paulino Simões
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants