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Diversity of Fungal DNA Methyltransferases and Their Association With DNA Methylation Patterns

Yu-Shin Nai1,2, Yu-Chun Huang2,3,4, Ming-Ren Yen2

  • 1Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|February 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Fungal DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) show diverse structures and methylation patterns, differing between fungal groups like Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. This review explores fungal DNMTs, methylomes, and their roles in development and taxonomy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Mycology

Background:

  • DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are crucial enzymes for DNA methylation, influencing biological processes through epigenetic regulation.
  • Fungal DNMTs exhibit significant diversity in structure and function compared to plant and animal systems.
  • Understanding fungal DNA methylation is vital due to its role in development and genome stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and compare fungal DNMTs, their domain structures, and epigenetic regulations with those in plants and animals.
  • To summarize recent findings on RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) in fungi, particularly involving DNMT5.
  • To associate fungal DNA methylation patterns with specific DNMTs across diverse fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • Surveyed genome-wide DNA methylation profiles (methylomes) from approximately 40 fungal species.
  • Constructed a phylogenetic tree based on DNMT protein domain structures.
  • Analyzed the correlation between DNMT types, domain structures, and observed methylation patterns (e.g., CG vs. non-CG preference).

Main Results:

  • Identified distinct DNMT profiles and methylation preferences in Basidiomycota (DNMT1 + DNMT5, CG preference) versus Ascomycota (RID + Dim-2, non-CG preference).
  • Observed low dynamic methylation in mycelium and preferential localization of DNA methylation in transposable elements (TEs).
  • Highlighted the potential role of DNMT5 in RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) in fungi.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal DNMTs and their associated methylomes are highly diverse, reflecting varied evolutionary paths and functional roles.
  • DNA methylation patterns are linked to fungal taxonomy and development, with specific DNMTs dictating methylation site preferences.
  • This review provides a comprehensive overview of fungal DNA methylation, emphasizing its dynamic nature and importance in fungal biology.
Keywords:
DNA methylationDNA methyltransferasesDNMT5epigenomicsfungitransposable element

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