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Published on: September 7, 2017
DNA methylation in reptiles.
Annalisa Varriale1, Giorgio Bernardi
1Laboratory of Molecular Evolution, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
Reptile DNA methylation levels vary significantly, with snakes and lizards showing a broad range, while turtles and crocodiles approach mammalian levels. This finding extends the inverse relationship between DNA methylation and body temperature in vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- DNA methylation levels in vertebrates are inversely related to body temperature.
- Previous studies indicated higher DNA methylation in colder-water fishes compared to warm-blooded vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA methylation levels across a diverse range of reptile species.
- To determine if reptilian DNA methylation patterns align with existing temperature-dependent trends.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA methylation levels using Reversed-Phase-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC).
- Examination of 43 reptile species from three orders and 20 families.
Main Results:
- Reptilian DNA methylation levels span the range observed between temperate/tropical fish and mammals.
- Snakes and lizards exhibit a wide spectrum of methylation levels.
- Turtles and crocodiles display DNA methylation levels closer to those of mammals.
Conclusions:
- Reptilian DNA methylation patterns support the inverse relationship with body temperature observed in other vertebrate groups.
- Ecological and physiological factors likely contribute to the observed variations in reptile DNA methylation.
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