Biology

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

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In honey bees (Apis mellifera), the epigenetic markofDNA 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 cycleofmethylationlossand gainthroughthedevelopmentofthedrone and during spermatogenesis. Although fluxes in methylation during embryogenesis may account for some of the differentially methylated sites, the distinct methylation patterns at some genes suggest parent-specific epigenetic marking in the gametes. Extensive germ line methylation of some genes possibly explains the lower-than-expected frequency of CpG sites in these genes. We discuss the potential developmental andevolutionaryimplicationsofmethylationineggsand sperm in this eusocial insect species. © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Publication Title

Development (Cambridge)

Publication Date

2014

Volume

141

Issue

13

First Page

2702

Last Page

2711

ISSN

0950-1991

DOI

10.1242/dev.110163

Keywords

Apis mellifera, DNA methylation, Epigenetic, Gametes, imprinting

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