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Rethinking the epigenetic foundations of social behavior evolution in insects.

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Gene body DNA methylation in social insects like bees does not significantly affect transcription but is inherited across generations. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is crucial for germline function, potentially driving social evolution.

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Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Social Insect Biology

Background:

  • Gene body DNA methylation, a stable epigenetic modification, is conserved across species.
  • Social Hymenoptera (bees, ants, wasps) offer valuable models for studying epigenetics due to their complex social structures and distinct phenotypes from a shared genome.
  • Previous research highlighted the presence of a functional gene body DNA methylation system in honey bees, homologous to human mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in DNA methylation research within social Hymenoptera.
  • To explore the role of gene body DNA methylation in the evolution of social complexity.
  • To propose a mechanistic link between DNA methylation and the transitions to eusociality.

Main Methods:

  • Review of seminal studies on DNA methylation in social Hymenoptera.
  • Analysis of recent findings on gene body DNA methylation's effect on transcription.
  • Examination of methylome inheritance patterns across generations and tissues.
  • Investigation of the roles of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and DNMT3 in development and social behavior.

Main Results:

  • Gene body DNA methylation exhibits minimal impact on gene transcription.
  • Methylomes are stably inherited across generations and within somatic tissues.
  • DNMT1 is essential for germline development but not for somatic development.
  • DNMT3 may influence altruistic behavior in sterile workers, potentially via non-methylation-dependent pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Colony-specific DNA methylation patterns may facilitate transitions to eusociality.
  • DNMT1-maintained gene body DNA methylation could accelerate genome evolution towards social complexity in eusocial species.
  • DNMT3 might play a role in promoting altruism in social insect colonies, possibly through mechanisms other than DNA methylation.