biostudies-literatureZhang JWuhu Vocational and Technical College outstanding youth top talent projectAnhui university scientific research projectNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaAnhui University scientific research project1972https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11240547biostudies-literatureUnknown14(13)Many ectotherms hibernate to increase their chances of survival during harsh winter conditions. The role of DNA methylation in regulating gene expression related to hibernation in ectotherms remains unclear. Here, we employed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) technology to construct a comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation landscape of the hindlimb muscles in the Chinese alligator during hibernation and active periods. The results indicated that methylation modifications were most abundant at CG sites, identifying 9447 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 2329 differentially methylated genes (DMGs). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the DMGs revealed significant enrichment in major pathways such as the neurotrophin signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, the GnRHAnimals : an open access journal from MDPIThe Whole Genome DNA Methylation Signatures of Hindlimb Muscles in Chinese Alligators during Hibernation and Active Periods.PMC1124054732170525KJ2021A1323rc2022qnbj01Zhang JWu XfalseThe Whole Genome DNA Methylation Signatures of Hindlimb Muscles in Chinese Alligators during Hibernation and Active Periods.Many ectotherms hibernate to increase their chances of survival during harsh winter conditions. The role of DNA methylation in regulating gene expression related to hibernation in ectotherms remains unclear. Here, we employed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) technology to construct a comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation landscape of the hindlimb muscles in the Chinese alligator during hibernation and active periods. The results indicated that methylation modifications were most abundant at CG sites, identifying 9447 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 2329 differentially methylated genes (DMGs). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the DMGs revealed significant enrichment in major pathways such as the neurotrophin signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, the GnRH2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Jul2026-04-20T03:23:34.403Z2026-04-20T03:14:36.28ZS-EPMC112405473899808410.3390/ani14131972