Shiying Yu , Jiayao Zhou

Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China
Author    Correspondence author
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

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.

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)

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.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); Epigenetic modifications; Gene expression; Insect resistance; Cry proteins; Crop protection