Effects of DNA 6mA methylation on female reproduction in Bactrocera dorsalis

DNA 6mA methylation is a critical epigenetic modification that significantly regulates a diverse range of biological processes. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulation of the reproductive development of insects remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate the molecular mechanism by which DNA 6mA methylation regulates female reproduction in Bactrocera dorsalis.

RNA interference-mediated knockdown of BdJumu, which binds to 6mA-labeled DNA, significantly decreases the level of DNA 6mA methylation in the ovary of B. dorsalis. Moreover, compared with female flies in the control condition, those in the dsJumu group exhibit delayed ovarian development, a significantly reduced number of laid eggs, and an obviously decreased egg-hatching rate. To investigate the potential function of BdJumu in B. dorsalis reproductive development, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed and 1845 differentially expressed genes were identified. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of 1536 downregulated genes showed their significant enrichment in the FoxO signaling pathway, which is related to female reproductive development. Finally, the accuracy of RNA-seq results was further verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Taken together, our results reveal that DNA 6mA methylation presents a new regulatory mechanism for female reproduction in B. dorsalis, and provides a potential target for pest control. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.