昆虫DNA甲基化的特点和功能

DNA甲基化为表观遗传修饰的一种主要形式, 对基因表达的调控具有重要作用。近年来随着有关昆虫DNA甲基化的研究和报道增多, 发现昆虫DNA甲基化除了与高等哺乳动物有一定的相似性之外, 还具有独特的特点和功能。本文就昆虫DNA甲基化的主要特点和功能进行了综述, 以期为进一步研究昆虫DNA甲基化提供借鉴和参考。不同昆虫所具有的DNA甲基转移酶种类和性质差异较大, 且昆虫DNA甲基化具有甲基化水平较低、主要发生在基因区等特点, 其功能主要涉及到调节胚胎发育、参与基因组印迹、调控级型和翅型分化、影响性别决定、介入抗药性形成等。

Characteristics and functions of DNA methylation in insects

DNA methylation, one important form of epigenetic modifications, plays an important role in gene regulation in animals. With more attentions paid to DNA methylation in insects in recent years, it was found that besides certain similarities between insects and mammals, there are also some unique features and functions in DNA methylation of insects. Here, we reviewed the advances in researches on DNA methylation in insects and focused on its main characteristics and functions so as to provide some references for further exploring DNA methylation in insects. The type and nature of DNA methyl-transferase vary widely across insect species, and the DNA methylation mainly occurs in gene areas in insects and the level is low. The functions of DNA methylation in insects mainly involve the regulation of embryonic development, participation in genomic imprinting, regulation of caste and wing differentiation, sex determination, and involvement in pesticide resistance.