DNA methylation dynamics associated with seasonal wing plasticity of Bicyclus anynana butterflies.

DNA methylation differences between seasonal wing forms of Bicyclus anynana butterflies are mainly enriched in housekeeping genes and not associated with wing development genes.

• Why it matters: Understanding epigenomic regulation like DNA methylation is crucial for revealing mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity, which remains poorly characterized in insects.
• What they did: The study analyzed DNA methylation patterns, gene expression, and alternative splicing in developing wings of two seasonal forms, focusing on methylation differences and gene activity.
• The result: Findings suggest DNA methylation has limited involvement in driving transcriptional differences or wing development in seasonal forms, highlighting its minor role in wing plasticity.