D3041: Epigenetic regulation of development and reproduction in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti: Identification and characterization of histone methyltransferases and demethylases

Recent studies showed that epigenetic modifications play important roles in modulating the action of major insect hormones, Juvenile hormones, and ecdysteroids that control insect development and reproduction. Histone modifications such as acetylation and methylation play important roles during post-development and reproduction. The contribution of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases to hormonal regulation of development has been shown in Tribolium castaneum and Aedes aegypti. The current studies aim to identify and characterize histone methyltransferases and demethylases and study their function in regulating development and reproduction in Aedes aegypti. Seven arginine methyltransferases, 14 lysine methyltransferases, and seven demethylase genes were identified in Aedes aegypti. RNAi interference (RNAi) assays identified three arginine methyltransferases, seven lysine methyltransferases, and two demethylases required for female reproduction. Similarly, four arginine methyltransferases, nine lysine methyltransferases, and four demethylases were identified as essential for larval development. Research is underway to study the mechanisms through which these epigenetic regulators affect development and reproduction.