Dnmt1 is essential for egg production and embryo viability in the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The function of cytosine (DNA) methylation in insects remains inconclusive due to a lack of mutant and/or genetic studies.

Results

Here, we provide evidence for the functional role of the maintenance DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) in an insect using experimental manipulation. Through RNA interference (RNAi), we successfully posttranscriptionally knocked down Dnmt1 in ovarian tissue of the hemipteran Oncopeltus fasciatus (the large milkweed bug). Individuals depleted for Dnmt1, and subsequently DNA methylation, failed to reproduce. Eggs were inviable and declined in number, and nuclei structure of follicular epithelium was aberrant. Erasure of DNA methylation from gene or transposon element bodies did not reveal a direct causal link to steady-state mRNA levels in

SUBMITTER: Bewick AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6322253 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature