Nilaparvata lugens Epigenomics

Epigenetic mechanisms act at the genotype-to-phenotype interface, where they regulate various developmental and physiological processes, mediate responses to external environments, and sometimes even determine the inheritance of gene expression patterns. We have limited information on their existence in and relevance for insects. It widely observed that insects have the capacity to rapidly adapt to changing environmental conditions and colonize diverse ecological niches. However, mechanisms underlying their rapid adaptive nature are largely unexplored and epigenetic process such as DNA methylation is considered a plausible mechanism that makes this possible. With this view and using brown planthopper as the model organism, the current study focuses on the role of DNA methylation in conferring genetic plasticity to insect populations (including their ability to quickly build-up resistance against any pesticide and/or rapidly overcome host plant resistance). Gaining insights into rapid insect adaptations at the molecular level would eventually provide us valuable information that would help us tackle pest outbreaks in a more sustainable, environment-friendly manner and with greater precision.