Active genic machinery for epigenetic RNA modifications in bees

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Epitranscriptomics studies post-transcriptional RNA modifications, like RNA methylations (m 6 A and m 5 C), which regulate RNA metabolism.
• While RNA modifications are conserved across life, evidence for epitranscriptomic pathways in insects is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify genes involved in RNA N6-methyladenine (m 6 A) and 5-methylcytosine (m 5 C) methylation in seven bee species.
• To investigate the expression and global levels of m 6 A and m 5 C in the honeybee (Apis mellifera).

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide identification of methylation-related genes in seven bee species.
• Validation of methyltransferase gene expression in Apis mellifera.
• Quantification of global m 6 A and m 5 C levels in different tissues and developmental stages of Apis mellifera.

Main Results:

• Genes for m 6 A and m 5 C methylation machinery were identified across seven bee genomes.
• Significant differences in global m 6 A and m 5 C levels were observed in Apis mellifera adult workers' fat body and brain.
• m 6 A levels significantly differed between queen and worker larvae at the fourth instar stage.
• A conserved m 5 C site was identified in the honeybee 28S rRNA.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the presence and activity of epitranscriptomic machinery in bees.
• These findings establish a foundation for future research into RNA epigenetics within the Hymenoptera order.