Epigenomics and Transcriptomics in Helicoverpa Developmental Stages

The role of DNA methylation and transcript isoform expression in insect development is not well understood. We have explored DNA methylation dynamics during lifecycle stage transition in the polyphagous pest, Helicoverpa armigera. Methylation was markedly reduced in pupa, the key stage of developmental programming, while adult moths had significantly increased levels of methylation predominantly at non-CG sites. We subsequently performed transcriptome analysis in pupa and adult stages to explore the potential role of epigenetics in regulating isoform expression in this insect.