TITLE: DNA Methylation in the Demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica is Involved in Genome Evolution and Transcription

 ADVISOR:  Prof. Manuel Aranda

 DATE:  Wednesday, November 21st

 TIME:  2 pm

 LOCATION: Building 2 (seaside) · Level 5 · Room 5209

ABSTRACT: DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism with roles that go from the fine tuning of transcription to genome wide dynamic acclimation to changing environments. While recent work have confirmed its presence and regulatory functions in non-bilaterian animals, its role and distribution in Porifera has not been addressed before. In this study, we performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing in the demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica to characterize DNA methylation in a sponge for the first time and with the best possible resolution. In addition to addressing typical associations between gene body methylation and transcriptional regulation, analyses of Amphimedon and other sponge genomes were also performed to reveal a remarkable footprint of DNA methylation on their composition.