Insect Science (2020) 27, 202-211

Yuki Mitaka, Eisuke Tasaki, Tomonari Nozaki, Taro Fuchikawa, Kazuya Kobayashi and Kenji Matsuura (2020)
Transcriptomic analysis of epigenetic modification genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus
Insect Science 27 (2), 202-211
Abstract: Eusocial insects display a caste system in which different castes are morphologically and physiologically specialized for different tasks. Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modification, mediate caste determination and differentiation, longevity, and polyethism in eusocial insects. Although there has been a growing interest in the relationship between epigenetic mechanisms and phenotypic plasticity in termites, there is little information about differential expression levels among castes and expression sites for these genes in termites. Here we show royal-tissue-specific expression of epigenetic modification genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. Using RNA-seq, we identified 74 genes, including three DNA methyltransferases, seven sirtuins, 48 Trithorax group proteins, and 16 Polycomb group proteins. Among these genes, 15 showed king-specific expression, and 52 showed age-dependent differential expression in kings and queens. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that DNA methyltransferase 3 is expressed specifically in the king's testis and fat body, whereas some histone modification genes are remarkably expressed in the king's testis and queen's ovary. These findings imply that epigenetic modification plays important roles in the gamete production process in termite kings and queens.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Taro Fuchikawa, Kazuya Kobayashi, Kenji Matsuura

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
molecular biology - genes
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Reticulitermes speratus