Dynamics of Epigenetic Regulation in Dryophytes versicolor Skeletal Muscle: Lysine Methylation and Acetylation Involvement in Metabolic Rate Depression

For the breadth of the winter, Dryophytes versicolor can survive full body freezing utilizing a phenomenon known as metabolic rate depression (MRD). Epigenetic transcriptional control on gene expression, such as histone methylation and acetylation, can aid in implementing a balance between permissive and restricted chromatin required to endure this stress. As such, this study explores the interplay between histone lysine methyl and acetyl transferases (HKMTs, HATs), as well as the abundance of various acetyl-lysine and methyl-lysine moieties on histone H3 and H4. Results showing that overexpression of transcriptionally repressive marks, and under expression of active ones, suggest a negative effect on overall gene transcription in skeletal muscle tissue.