Evidence for Widespread Genomic Methylation in the Migratory Locust, Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028167
• Publication Date: 2011-12-05T21:57:22Z
• Authors: Katie L. Robinson; Donya Tohidi-Esfa...; Nathan Lo; Stephen J. Simpson; Gregory A. Sword
• Keywords: Migratory locust; Differentially methylated regions

The importance of DNA methylation in mammalian and plant systems is well established. In recent years there has been renewed interest insects. Accumulating evidence, both from mammals insects, points towards an emerging role for the regulation phenotypic plasticity. migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) a model organism study Despite this, little information available about degree to which genome methylated this species genes encoding machinery have not previously identified. We therefore undertook initial investigation establish presence functional system L. migratoria. found that possesses putatively encode (DNA methyltransferases methyl-binding domain protein) exhibits genomic methylation, some appears be localised repetitive regions genome. also identified distinct group within migratoria appear historically show possible differentiation. These results will facilitate more detailed research into significance locusts.