Bt Research 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 118-124 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 118 Review Article Open Access Epigenetic Modifications in Bt and Their Impact on Gene Expression SibinWang1, Zhonggang Li 2 1 Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China 2 Tropical Specialty Crops Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resouces, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: zhonggang.li@hitar.org Bt Research, 2025, Vol.16, No.3 doi: 10.5376/bt.2025.16.0015 Received: 30 Apr., 2025 Accepted: 10 Jun., 2025 Published: 28 Jun., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Wang and Li, 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: Wang S.B., and Li Z.G., 2025, Epigenetic modifications in Bt and their impact on gene expression, Bt Research, 16(3): 118-124 (doi: 10.5376/bt.2025.16.0015) Abstract Epigenetic modification means that the DNA sequence itself remains unchanged, but the gene activity is passed down along with it. Common methods include DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodeling. These changes can affect gene expression and are also related to cell differentiation and the occurrence of diseases. Studies have found that such modifications can regulate gene expression, thereby altering the metabolic patterns of organisms such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). They also play a role in tumor formation and cellular differences. For instance, DNA methylation and histone modification can respond rapidly to environmental changes and regulate the expression of metabolic enzyme genes. Some traits may thus be promoted or inhibited. Metabolites themselves can also serve as substrates or cofactors for modification, making metabolism and epigenetics more closely linked. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, people can study these modifications more comprehensively and understand their functions in gene regulation. This is helpful for understanding the biological role and disease mechanism of Bt, as well as future treatment methods. Keywords Epigenetic modification; DNA methylation; Histone modification; Gene expression regulation; Bt 1 Introduction Epigenetic modification refers to the regulation of gene activity in a heritable but reversible manner without altering the DNA sequence. In recent years, many studies have demonstrated its significant role in gene expression, cell differentiation and disease occurrence. Especially in the occurrence and development of tumors, DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodeling are very crucial for the regulation of gene expression (Perri et al., 2017; Gu et al., 2024). These modifications not only affect gene transcription, but are also closely related to cell metabolism and phenotypic changes (Huo et al., 2021; Xu et al., 2023). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a common biological pesticide, and its gene expression mode directly affects the insecticidal activity and effect during the application process. At present, research on the Bt genome in related fields has reached a relatively in-depth stage. However, there is still a lack of systematic integration in terms of how its epigenetic modifications affect gene expression and alter function. These epigenetic modifications have a profound impact on gene expression in other organisms. In order to better understand its diverse functions and improve application strategies, we need to sort out the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in Bt (Chen et al., 2023; Gu et al., 2024). At present, research on the types, distribution and mechanism of action of epigenetic modifications in Bt is still relatively scattered, and there is no comprehensive review. High-throughput sequencing technology has helped us identify multiple modifications on DNA, histones and RNA in mammalian cells, but the epigenetic regulatory network in microorganisms such as Bt remains unclear (Chen et al., 2023). Meanwhile, the research on the relationship between epigenetic modifications in Bt and processes such as metabolic reprogramming and environmental adaptation is also relatively backward. This review will systematically organize the main epigenetic modification types and molecular mechanisms in Bt, with a focus on analyzing the impact of these modifications on gene expression and their biological significance.
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