Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 153-161 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 153 Research Insight Open Access Epigenetic Modification in Bt and Their Impact on Gene Expression Shiying Yu, Jiayao Zhou Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding author: jiayao.zhou@cuixi.org Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0017 Received: 14 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 22 May, 2024 Published: 10 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yu and Zhou, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yu S.Y., and Zhou J.Y., 2024, Epigenetic modification in Bt and their impact on gene expression, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(3): 153-161 (doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0017) Abstract This study explores the epigenetic modifications in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and their impact on gene expression. Bt is widely used in biopesticides and genetically modified crops due to its potent insecticidal properties, particularly the production of Cry proteins. However, the increasing issue of resistance in target pests has affected the effectiveness of Bt products. This study investigates the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of Bt genes, analyzing the roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in gene expression regulation. The findings reveal how these epigenetic factors influence the production and efficacy of Bt proteins. The study concludes that epigenetic modifications not only affect Bt's toxicity but may also be key factors in regulating the development of resistance. Therefore, a deeper understanding of these mechanisms can aid in optimizing Bt gene expression, promoting the development of more efficient and sustainable insect-resistant plants, and ultimately reducing reliance on chemical pesticides to ensure environmental safety. Keywords Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); Epigenetic modifications; Gene expression; Insect resistance; Cry proteins; Crop protection 1 Introduction Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram-positive bacterium renowned for its insecticidal properties, primarily due to the production of crystal (Cry) proteins. These proteins are highly effective against a variety of insect pests, making Bt a cornerstone in biological pest control and a key component in genetically modified (GM) crops (Gus et al., 2021; Sauka et al., 2023). Bt proteins, such as Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac, have been successfully integrated into crops like chickpea and rice to enhance resistance against pests, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agriculture (Mehrotra et al., 2011; Liu et al., 2019). The significance of Bt extends beyond pest control, as it also contributes to increased crop yields and reduced environmental impact (Liang et al., 2022). Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA interactions, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These modifications can influence the expression of Bt genes in transgenic plants, potentially affecting the efficacy and stability of Bt proteins (Mehrotra et al., 2011). Understanding the epigenetic landscape is essential for optimizing the expression of Bt genes, ensuring consistent pest resistance, and mitigating any unintended effects on plant physiology and development. Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms can provide insights into the long-term sustainability and environmental impact of Bt crops (Liu et al., 2019). This study explores the epigenetic regulation of Bt genes by identifying key modifications that enhance or suppress gene expression, thereby affecting the production and efficacy of Bt proteins. It investigates the epigenetic modifications associated with Bt genes in transgenic plants and their impact on gene expression, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of how epigenetic factors influence the stability and performance of Bt crops, ultimately guiding the development of more efficient and sustainable insect-resistant plants. 2 Understanding Epigenetics in Bt 2.1 Definition and key concepts of epigenetics Epigenetics is a field that examines heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These modifications are essential for regulating how genes are activated or silenced,
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