Epigenetic Molecular Mechanisms in Insects

Villagra, Cristian A.; Frías-Lasserre, Daniel

doi:10.1007/s13744-020-00777-8

Cited by 34 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 369 publications

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“…Thus, a change towards a better understanding of insect epigenetics as well as the application of agroecological approaches promoting sustainable agriculture is a must [54,205,262]). Future evidence of EMM-related changes in insects exposed to pesticides may serve as bioindicators of potentially dangerous levels of exposure to contamination in our own species.…”

Section: Further Remarksmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Insect Epigenetic Mechanisms Facing Anthropogenic-Derived Contamination, an Overview

Olivares-Castro

Cáceres-Jensen

Guerrero-Bosagna

et al. 2021

Insects

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Currently, the human species has been recognized as the primary species responsible for Earth’s biodiversity decline. Contamination by different chemical compounds, such as pesticides, is among the main causes of population decreases and species extinction. Insects are key for ecosystem maintenance; unfortunately, their populations are being drastically affected by human-derived disturbances. Pesticides, applied in agricultural and urban environments, are capable of polluting soil and water sources, reaching non-target organisms (native and introduced). Pesticides alter insect’s development, physiology, and inheritance. Recently, a link between pesticide effects on insects and their epigenetic molecular mechanisms (EMMs) has been demonstrated. EMMs are capable of regulating gene expression without modifying genetic sequences, resulting in the expression of different stress responses as well as compensatory mechanisms. In this work, we review the main anthropogenic contaminants capable of affecting insect biology and of triggering EMMs. EMMs are involved in the development of several diseases in native insects affected by pesticides (e.g., anomalous teratogenic reactions). Additionally, EMMs also may allow for the survival of some species (mainly pests) under contamination-derived habitats; this may lead to biodiversity decline and further biotic homogenization. We illustrate these patterns by reviewing the effect of neonicotinoid insecticides, insect EMMs, and their ecological consequences.

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Section: Further Remarksmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The fifth lists the effects observed in response to the toxicant. The sixth shows the epigenetic molecular mechanisms involved, where "DNA M." refers to C5-cytosine methylation, "H. M." stands for histone modifications, and "RNA-b M." is RNA-based mechanisms[54]. The seventh column has the corresponding references cited.…”

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confidence: 99%

Insect Epigenetic Mechanisms Facing Anthropogenic-Derived Contamination, an Overview

Olivares-Castro

Cáceres-Jensen

Guerrero-Bosagna

et al. 2021

Insects

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“…Apart from the fact that these EHs can provoke a decrease in forest production, the increase in their density due to forest management can have an impact on biogeochemical cycles. Finally, it is necessary to consider the microbiota associated with arthropods as part of a joint epigenetic inheritance system ( Villagra and Frías-Lasserre, 2020 ), which may allow the maintenance of lineages and the attributes associated with EHs. Finally, It is also necessary to explore into evolutionary processes such as horizontal transfer of genes from microorganisms to arthropods ( Faddeeva-Vakhrusheva et al, 2017 ; Bredon et al, 2019 ), in order to understand the importance of this integration and thus make efforts that allow its conservation in order to secure as well as restore ecosystem functioning on our planet.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arthropod-Microbiota Integration: Its Importance for Ecosystem Conservation

2021

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Recent reports indicate that the health of our planet is getting worse and that genuine transformative changes are pressing. So far, efforts to ameliorate Earth’s ecosystem crises have been insufficient, as these often depart from current knowledge of the underlying ecological processes. Nowadays, biodiversity loss and the alterations in biogeochemical cycles are reaching thresholds that put the survival of our species at risk. Biological interactions are fundamental for achieving biological conservation and restoration of ecological processes, especially those that contribute to nutrient cycles. Microorganism are recognized as key players in ecological interactions and nutrient cycling, both free-living and in symbiotic associations with multicellular organisms. This latter assemblage work as a functional ecological unit called “holobiont.” Here, we review the emergent ecosystem properties derived from holobionts, with special emphasis on detritivorous terrestrial arthropods and their symbiotic microorganisms. We revisit their relevance in the cycling of recalcitrant organic compounds (e.g., lignin and cellulose). Finally, based on the interconnection between biodiversity and nutrient cycling, we propose that a multicellular organism and its associates constitute an Ecosystem Holobiont (EH). This EH is the functional unit characterized by carrying out key ecosystem processes. We emphasize that in order to meet the challenge to restore the health of our planet it is critical to reduce anthropic pressures that may threaten not only individual entities (known as “bionts”) but also the stability of the associations that give rise to EH and their ecological functions.

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“…Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to regulate caste determination, aging, reproduction, behavior, and other categories in eusocial insects (as reviewed in [49,50,[52][53][54][55]), but there is still much to be gained from further study that can aid in building a clearer picture of eusocial insect life history and evolution. This review primarily aims to summarize recent advancements in our understanding of these mechanisms, their implications, and how they apply to the evolutionary history and success of eusocial insects.…”

Section: Dnmt3mentioning

confidence: 99%

(Epi)Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Evolutionary Success of Eusocial Insects

Sieber

Dorman

Newell

et al. 2021

Insects

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Eusocial insects, such as bees, ants, and wasps of the Hymenoptera and termites of the Blattodea, are able to generate remarkable diversity in morphology and behavior despite being genetically uniform within a colony. Most eusocial insect species display caste structures in which reproductive ability is possessed by a single or a few queens while all other colony members act as workers. However, in some species, caste structure is somewhat plastic, and individuals may switch from one caste or behavioral phenotype to another in response to certain environmental cues. As different castes normally share a common genetic background, it is believed that much of this observed within-colony diversity results from transcriptional differences between individuals. This suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, featured by modified gene expression without changing genes themselves, may play an important role in eusocial insects. Indeed, epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, have been shown to influence eusocial insects in multiple aspects, along with typical genetic regulation. This review summarizes the most recent findings regarding such mechanisms and their diverse roles in eusocial insects.

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Epigenetic Molecular Mechanisms in Insects

Cited by 34 publications

References 369 publications

Insect Epigenetic Mechanisms Facing Anthropogenic-Derived Contamination, an Overview

Insect Epigenetic Mechanisms Facing Anthropogenic-Derived Contamination, an Overview

Arthropod-Microbiota Integration: Its Importance for Ecosystem Conservation

(Epi)Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Evolutionary Success of Eusocial Insects

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