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Genetic research

Differential DNA Methylation in Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks Reveals Epigenetic Basis for Sex Differences

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— 2 min read

Research has identified Haemaphysalis longicornis as a key vector for transmitting various pathogens to humans and animals. This tick species has a unique reproductive system comprising bisexual and parthenogenetic populations. A recent study explored the epigenetic mechanism underlying sex differentiation in the bisexual population of H. longicornis, focusing on DNA methylation in male and female ticks. The study revealed significant differences in DNA methylation levels between the sexes, particularly in gene body regions, with females exhibiting higher methylation levels. Genome-wide analysis identified 10,460 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), of which 5282 were hypermethylated and 5178 hypomethylated. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses further demonstrated that differentially methylated genes were enriched in binding and metabolic pathways.

Key Takeaways:

  • Haemaphysalis longicornis is an important vector for transmitting various pathogens to humans and animals, with a unique reproductive system comprising bisexual and parthenogenetic populations.
  • DNA methylation plays a crucial role in epigenetic mechanisms, including sex differentiation in H. longicornis ticks.
  • The study revealed significant differences in DNA methylation levels between male and female ticks, with females exhibiting higher methylation levels in gene body regions.
  • Genome-wide analysis identified 10,460 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), with 5282 hypermethylated and 5178 hypomethylated regions.
  • Differentiated methylated genes were enriched in binding and metabolic pathways, as indicated by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses.
  • The study provides an important theoretical basis for understanding epigenetic mechanisms of sex differences in ticks.
  • Chuks Fidelis Nwanade et al.: "Sexual epigenetics: genome-wide analysis revealed differential DNA methylation in the vector tick Haemaphysalis longicornis" was published in Parasites & Vectors, 2025,18(1):1-11.
  • Funding for this research was provided by the Funds of Central Guidance For Local Scientific And Technological Development and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Statistics:

  • 10,460 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in the study.
  • Of these, 5282 were hypermethylated and 5178 hypomethylated.
  • Females exhibited higher methylation levels than males, particularly in gene body regions.
  • DNA methylation levels in the CG context were highest in the 3' untranslated region (UTR).
  • The study focused on the bisexual population of H. longicornis ticks.

Sources:

  • Chuks Fidelis Nwanade, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences.
  • Han Wang, Ziyan Bing, Lu Li, Ziwen Gao, Na Dong, Ke Li, Leyan Du, Zhijun Yu, "Sexual epigenetics: genome-wide analysis revealed differential DNA methylation in the vector tick Haemaphysalis longicornis".
  • Parasites & Vectors, 2025,18(1):1-11. (http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/).
  • BMC. A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06810-2.

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