Regeneration puzzle: correlations of immunity and DNA methylation in regenerative annelid models

Abstract

Distinct gene expression patterns are important to various biological functions, spanning developmental processes, wound healing, and the restoration of body parts. Moreover, immunity intertwines with these processes, as researchers propose links between immune system evolution and the variable regenerative capacities seen across different organisms. Concomitantly, elements that influence gene expression can also affect regeneration, since DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism that emerges as a critical regulator of cellular fate and behavior. While various studies propose methodologies for detecting and quantifying DNA methylation under diverse experimental settings, its interaction with regeneration remains relatively unexplored, particularly in annelids. This review aims to address this gap through exploring the connections between immunity, regeneration, and epigenetics by compiling information from studies conducted in different organisms and focusing on annelids as regenerative models. Additionally, it also provides an overview of protocols applying monoclonal antibodies to target specific DNA methylation forms.