Social context influences the expression of DNA methyltransferase genes in the honeybee

Autor(es)

Mendes Cardoso-Junior, Carlos Antonio ^[1] ; Eyer, Michael ^[2] ; Dainat, Benjamin ^[2] ; Hartfelder, Klaus ^[1] ; Dietemann, Vincent ^[2]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Celular Mol & Bioagentes Patogen, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Ave Bandeirantes 3900, BR-14049900 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Swiss Bee Res Ctr, Agroscope, Schwarzenburgstr 161, CH-3003 Bern - Switzerland

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 8, JUL 23 2018.
• Citações Web of Science: 5

Resumo

DNA methylation is a reversible epigenetic modification that alters gene expression without altering the nucleotide sequence. Epigenetic modifications have been suggested as crucial mediators between social interactions and gene expression in mammals. However, little is known about the role of DNA methylation in the life cycle of social invertebrates. Recently, honeybees have become an attractive model to study epigenetic processes in social contexts. Although DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes responsible for DNA methylation are known in this model system, the influence of social stimuli on this process remains largely unexplored. By quantifying the expression of DNMT genes (dnmt1a, dnmt2 and dnmt3) under different demographical conditions characterized by the absence or presence of immatures and young adults, we tested whether the social context affected the expression of DNMT genes. The three DNMT genes had their expression altered, indicating that distinct molecular processes were affected by social interactions. These results open avenues for future investigations into regulatory epigenetic mechanisms underlying complex traits in social invertebrates. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/15881-0 - Análises epigenéticas e expressão gênica do trade-off (longevidade x reprodução) de rainhas em Apis mellifera L. (Apidae, Hymenoptera)
• Beneficiário: Carlos Antônio Mendes Cardoso Júnior
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto
• Processo FAPESP: 17/09269-3 - Análises do metiloma de ovários de operárias Apis mellifera L. em diferentes condições sociais
• Beneficiário: Carlos Antônio Mendes Cardoso Júnior
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Exterior - Estágio de Pesquisa - Doutorado Direto