Evolutionary history of DNA methylation related genes in chordates: new insights from multiple whole genome duplications

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in many biological processes, i.e. gametogenesis and embryonic development. However, increased copy numbers of DNA methylation related genes (dnmt, tet and tdg) have been found during chordate evolution due to successive whole genome duplication (WGD) events. Their evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships remain unclear. The present study is the first to clarify the evolutionary history of DNA methylation genes in chordates. In particular, our results highlight the fixation of several dnmt3-related genes following successive WGD throughout evolution. The rainbow trout genome offered a unique opportunity to study the early evolutionary fates of duplicated genes due to a recent round of WGD at the radiation of salmonids. Differences highlighted in transcriptional patterns of these genes during gametogenesis and ontogenesis in trout indicated that they might be subjected to sub- or neo-functionalisation after WDG. The fixation of multiple dnmt3 genes in genomes after WGD could contribute to the diversification and plastic adaptation of the teleost.