Evolution of DNA Methylome Diversity in Eukaryotes

Alex de Mendoza; Ryan Lister; Ozren Bogdanovic

doi:10.1016/j.jmb.2019.11.003

Evolution of DNA Methylome Diversity in Eukaryotes

J Mol Biol. 2019 Nov 11;S0022-2836(19)30659-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.11.003. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Alex de Mendoza¹, Ryan Lister², Ozren Bogdanovic³

Affiliations

¹ ARC CoE Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia. Electronic address: alexmendozasoler@gmail.com.
² ARC CoE Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
³ Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. Electronic address: o.bogdanovic@garvan.org.au.

PMID: 31726061
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.11.003

Abstract

Cytosine DNA methylation (5mC) is a widespread base modification in eukaryotic genomes with critical roles in transcriptional regulation. In recent years, our understanding of 5mC has changed because of advances in 5mC detection techniques that allow mapping of this mark on the whole genome scale. Profiling DNA methylomes from organisms across the eukaryotic tree of life has reshaped our views on the evolution of 5mC. In this review, we explore the macroevolution of 5mC in major eukaryotic groups, and then focus on recent advances made in animals. Genomic 5mC patterns as well as the mechanisms of 5mC deposition tend to be evolutionary labile across large phylogenetic distances; however, some common patterns are starting to emerge. Within the animal kingdom, 5mC diversity has proven to be much greater than anticipated. For example, a previously held common view that genome hypermethylation is a trait exclusive to vertebrates has recently been challenged. Also, data from genome-wide studies are starting to yield insights into the potential roles of 5mC in invertebrate cis regulation. Here we provide an evolutionary perspective of both the well-known and enigmatic roles of 5mC across the eukaryotic tree of life.

Keywords: DNA methylation; DNMT; Epigenomics; Eukaryote macroevolution; TET.

Publication types

Review