The dynamic DNA methylation cycle from egg to sperm in the honey bee Apis mellifera.

ABSTRACT: In honey bees (Apis mellifera), the epigenetic mark of DNA methylation is central to the developmental regulation of caste differentiation, but may also be involved in additional biological functions. In this study, we examine the whole genome methylation profiles of three stages of the haploid honey bee genome: unfertilised eggs, the adult drones that develop from these eggs and the sperm produced by these drones. These methylomes reveal distinct patterns of methylation. Eggs and sperm show 381 genes with significantly different CpG methylation patterns, with the vast majority being more methylated in eggs. Adult drones show greatly reduced levels of methylation across the genome when compared with both gamete samples. This suggests a dynamic cycle of methylation loss and gain through the

SUBMITTER: Drewell RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4067964 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature