Abstract
Simple SummaryEpigenetic molecular mechanisms (EMMs) are capable of regulating and stabilizing a wide range of living cell processes without altering its DNA sequence. EMMs can be triggered by environmental inputs. In insects, EMMs contribute to explaining both negative effects as well as adaptive responses towards environmental cues. Among these stimuli are chemical stressors, such as pesticides. We review the link between EMMs and pesticides in insects. We suggest that pesticide chemical behavior promotes both lethal and sublethal exposure of both target and non-target insects. As a consequence, for several native and beneficial insect (e.g., pollinators), EMMs are involved in diseases and disruptive responses due to pesticides, while in the case of pest species, EMMs are linked in the development of pesticide resistance and hormesis. We discuss the consequences of these in the context of insect global decline and biotic homogenization.Currently, the human species has been recognized as the primary species responsible for Earth’s biodiversity decline. Contamination by different chemical compounds, such as pesticides, is among the main causes of population decreases and species extinction. Insects are key for ecosystem maintenance; unfortunately, their populations are being drastically affected by human-derived disturbances. Pesticides, applied in agricultural and urban environments, are capable of polluting soil and water sources, reaching non-target organisms (native and introduced). Pesticides alter insect’s development, physiology, and inheritance. Recently, a link between pesticide effects on insects and their epigenetic molecular mechanisms (EMMs) has been demonstrated. EMMs are capable of regulating gene expression without modifying genetic sequences, resulting in the expression of different stress responses as well as compensatory mechanisms. In this work, we review the main anthropogenic contaminants capable of affecting insect biology and of triggering EMMs. EMMs are involved in the development of several diseases in native insects affected by pesticides (e.g., anomalous teratogenic reactions). Additionally, EMMs also may allow for the survival of some species (mainly pests) under contamination-derived habitats; this may lead to biodiversity decline and further biotic homogenization. We illustrate these patterns by reviewing the effect of neonicotinoid insecticides, insect EMMs, and their ecological consequences.
Highlights
Epigenetics is a complex field of research concerning the molecular mechanisms capable of modifying DNA expression through organism’ ontogeny
We review in detail the case of the neuro-active neonicotinoid insecticides in non-target insect species and their relation to the decline in managed and wild bee species, drawing a potential link between epigenetic molecular mechanisms (EMMs) and pesticide contamination and explaining colony collapse disorder [41,48]
In a rapidly changing world with several planetary boundaries near collapse [225], the consideration of the role of EMMs in the context of insect exposure to variated and abundant human-derived stressors may be relevant to prevent further population declines in wild insect species
Summary
Epigenetics is a complex field of research concerning the molecular mechanisms capable of modifying DNA expression through organism’ ontogeny. These processes have been found to contribute in the regulation and stabilization of the basic self-organizing functions of insect life Among these are the response of insects towards different environmental cues and disturbances, including those derived from human activities. The contamination from chemicals incorporated during agricultural field management (e.g., pesticides and fertilizers) has been found to be one of the most harmful to the environment and human health [35–37] These alterations increase the threats to a wide range of organisms, from beneficial soil microorganisms to our own species [38–40]. We review in detail the case of the neuro-active neonicotinoid insecticides in non-target insect species and their relation to the decline in managed and wild bee species, drawing a potential link between EMMs and pesticide contamination and explaining colony collapse disorder [41,48]. We discuss the relationship between EMM responses to anthropogenic contamination and their potential role in the context of the sixth mass extinction [32]
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