Epigenetic modifications to DNA, such as DNA methylation, can expand a genome’sregulatory flexibility, and thus may contribute to the evolution of phenotypic plasticity. Recent work has demonstrated the importance of DNA methylation in alternative queenand worker “castes” in social insects, particularly honeybees. Social insects are an excellent system for addressing questions about epigenetics and evolution because: (1)they have dramatic caste polyphenisms that appear to be tied to differential methylation,(2) DNA methylation is widespread in various groups of social insects, and (3) there areintriguing connections between the social environment and DNA methylation in manyspecies, from insects to mammals. In this article, we review research on honeybees, and,when available, other social insects, on DNA methylation and queen and worker castedifferences. We outline a conceptual framework for the effects of methylation on castedetermination in honeybees that may help guide studies of epigenetic regulation in otherpolyphenic taxa. Finally, we suggest future paths of study for social insect epigeneticresearch, including the importance of comparative studies of DNA methylation on abroader range of species, and highlight some key unanswered mechanistic questionsabout how DNA methylation affects gene regulation.
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