The role of epigenetics in insects in changing environments.

The special issue of Insect Molecular Biology focuses on the role of epigenetics in insects in changing environments. Epigenetic information helps translate environmental signals into changes in gene expression, allowing insects to develop phenotypes suited to their surroundings. The issue includes nine papers that investigate a variety of insect species and cover topics such as epigenetic regulation during development, under environmental stress, and across generations. The studies explore the importance of DNA methylation and histone modifications in insect genomes, and highlight the potential for epigenetic changes to influence insect life history, reproductive function, and responses to temperature stress. The issue concludes with a commentary on the importance of epigenetic information in agriculturally important insect pests. Overall, the special issue provides new insights into the field of insect epigenetics, but further research is needed to fully understand the function and nature of epigenetic information in insects. [Extracted from the article]