Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
09:42
Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
Published on: September 7, 2017
9.9K
Inference of DNA methylation patterns in molluscs
Lisa Männer1, Tilman Schell2, Panagiotis Provataris3,4
1AG Vogelwarte, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 23, 17489 Greifswald, Germany.
Summary
Most molluscs exhibit DNA methylation in gene bodies, a key epigenetic mechanism. However, some groups show reduced methylation or lack specific DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), revealing diverse epigenetic patterns in this phylum.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Epigenetics
- Invertebrate Zoology
Background:
- Mollusca represent a highly diverse animal phylum with limited epigenetic research.
- DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic mechanism with poorly understood patterns in molluscs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA methylation patterns and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) presence across diverse mollusc classes.
- To identify variations in DNA methylation and DNMT toolkit completeness within Mollusca.
Main Methods:
- Inferred DNA methylation by analyzing normalized dinucleotide CG content in protein-coding sequences.
- Identified DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3) in published transcriptomes and genomes.
- Analyzed data from 140 species spanning all eight classes of molluscs.
Main Results:
- Molluscs generally display substantial DNA methylation in gene bodies.
- Reductions in DNA methylation were observed in Caudofoveata, Solenogastres, Polyplacophora, Monoplacophora, and Scaphopoda.
- Heterobranchia and Oegopsida lacked DNMT3 but still showed signs of DNA methylation.
Conclusions:
- Molluscs possess generally high levels of DNA methylation, with notable exceptions and variations.
- The presence and function of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) vary across mollusc groups.
- This study provides a foundation for future empirical research on mollusc epigenetics.
