1
|
Bennici S, Poles L, Di Guardo M, Percival-Alwyn L, Caccamo M, Licciardello C, Gentile A, Distefano G, La Malfa S. The origin and the genetic regulation of the self-compatibility mechanism in clementine ( Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1360087. [PMID: 38501136 PMCID: PMC10944956 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1360087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Self-incompatibility (SI) is a genetic mechanism common in flowering plants to prevent self-fertilization. Among citrus species, several pummelo, mandarin, and mandarin-like accessions show SI behavior. In these species, SI is coupled with a variable degree of parthenocarpy ensuring the production of seedless fruits, a trait that is highly appreciated by consumers. In Citrus, recent evidences have shown the presence of a gametophytic SI system based on S-ribonucleases (S-RNases) ability to impair self-pollen tube growth in the upper/middle part of the style. In the present study, we combined PCR analysis and next-generation sequencing technologies, to define the presence of S7- and S11-Rnases in the S-genotype of the Citrus clementina (Hort. ex Tan.), the self-incompatible 'Comune' clementine and its self-compatible natural mutant 'Monreal'. The reference genome of 'Monreal' clementine is presented for the first time, providing more robust results on the genetic sequence of the newly discovered S7-RNase. SNP discovery analysis coupled with the annotation of the variants detected enabled the identification of 7,781 SNPs effecting 5,661 genes in 'Monreal' compared to the reference genome of C. clementina. Transcriptome analysis of unpollinated pistils at the mature stage from both clementine genotypes revealed the lack of expression of S7-RNase in 'Monreal' suggesting its involvement in the loss of the SI response. RNA-seq analysis followed by gene ontology studies enabled the identification of 2,680 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), a significant number of those is involved in oxidoreductase and transmembrane transport activity. Merging of DNA sequencing and RNA data led to the identification of 164 DEGs characterized by the presence of at least one SNP predicted to induce mutations with a high effect on their amino acid sequence. Among them, four candidate genes referring to two Agamous-like MADS-box proteins, to MYB111 and to MLO-like protein 12 were validated. Moreover, the transcription factor MYB111 appeared to contain a binding site for the 2.0-kb upstream sequences of the S7- and S11-RNase genes. These results provide useful information about the genetic bases of SI indicating that SNPs present in their sequence could be responsible for the differential expression and the regulation of S7-RNase and consequently of the SI mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bennici
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lara Poles
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Di Guardo
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Mario Caccamo
- National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Concetta Licciardello
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) - Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Acireale, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Distefano
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano La Malfa
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang D, Li YY, Zhao X, Zhang C, Liu DK, Lan S, Yin W, Liu ZJ. Molecular insights into self-incompatibility systems: From evolution to breeding. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100719. [PMID: 37718509 PMCID: PMC10873884 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved diverse self-incompatibility (SI) systems for outcrossing. Since Darwin's time, considerable progress has been made toward elucidating this unrivaled reproductive innovation. Recent advances in interdisciplinary studies and applications of biotechnology have given rise to major breakthroughs in understanding the molecular pathways that lead to SI, particularly the strikingly different SI mechanisms that operate in Solanaceae, Papaveraceae, Brassicaceae, and Primulaceae. These best-understood SI systems, together with discoveries in other "nonmodel" SI taxa such as Poaceae, suggest a complex evolutionary trajectory of SI, with multiple independent origins and frequent and irreversible losses. Extensive exploration of self-/nonself-discrimination signaling cascades has revealed a comprehensive catalog of male and female identity genes and modifier factors that control SI. These findings also enable the characterization, validation, and manipulation of SI-related factors for crop improvement, helping to address the challenges associated with development of inbred lines. Here, we review current knowledge about the evolution of SI systems, summarize key achievements in the molecular basis of pollen‒pistil interactions, discuss potential prospects for breeding of SI crops, and raise several unresolved questions that require further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xuewei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Cuili Zhang
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ding-Kun Liu
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Siren Lan
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Weilun Yin
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Zhong-Jian Liu
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang D, Yu Z, Hu S, Liu X, Zeng B, Gao W, Qin H, Ma X, He Y. Genome-wide identification of members of the Skp1 family in almond ( Prunus dulcis), cloning and expression characterization of PsdSSK1. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 29:35-49. [PMID: 36733834 PMCID: PMC9886703 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-023-01278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Skp1 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 1) is the core gene of SCF ubiquitin ligase, which mediates protein degradation, thereby regulating biological processes such as cell cycle progression, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction. A variety of plant Skp1 gene family studies have been reported. However, the almond Skp1 gene family has not yet been studied. In this study, we identified 18 members of the Prunus dulcis PdSkp1 family that were unevenly distributed across six chromosomes of the almond genome. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the PdSkp1 members can be divided into three groups: I, II, and III. PdSkp1 members in each subfamily have relatively conserved motif types and exon/intron numbers. There were three pairs of fragment duplication genes and one pair of tandem repeat genes, and their functions were highly evolutionarily conserved. Transcriptome data showed that PdSkp1 is expressed in almond flower tissues, and that its expression shows significant change during cross-pollination. Fluorescence quantitative results showed that eight PdSkp1 genes had different expression levels in five tissues of almond, i.e., branches, leaves, flower buds, flesh, and cores. In addition, we cloned a PsdSSK1 gene based on PdSkp1. The cloned PsdSSK1 showed the same protein sequence as PdSkp1-12. Results of qPCR and western blot analysis showed high expression of PsdSSK1 in almond pollen. In conclusion, we report the first clone of the key gene SSK1 that controls self-incompatibility in almonds. Our research lays a foundation for future functional research on PdSkp1 members, especially for exploring the mechanism of almond self-incompatibility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01278-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhenfan Yu
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
| | - Shaobo Hu
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xingyue Liu
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
- GuangZhou Institute of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, GuangZhou, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
| | - Wenwen Gao
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
| | - HuanXue Qin
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xintong Ma
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yawen He
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Broz AK, Miller CM, Baek YS, Tovar-Méndez A, Acosta-Quezada PG, Riofrío-Cuenca TE, Rusch DB, Bedinger PA. S-RNase Alleles Associated With Self-Compatibility in the Tomato Clade: Structure, Origins, and Expression Plasticity. Front Genet 2021; 12:780793. [PMID: 34938321 PMCID: PMC8685505 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.780793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-incompatibility (SI) system in the Solanaceae is comprised of cytotoxic pistil S-RNases which are countered by S-locus F-box (SLF) resistance factors found in pollen. Under this barrier-resistance architecture, mating system transitions from SI to self-compatibility (SC) typically result from loss-of-function mutations in genes encoding pistil SI factors such as S-RNase. However, the nature of these mutations is often not well characterized. Here we use a combination of S-RNase sequence analysis, transcript profiling, protein expression and reproductive phenotyping to better understand different mechanisms that result in loss of S-RNase function. Our analysis focuses on 12 S-RNase alleles identified in SC species and populations across the tomato clade. In six cases, the reason for gene dysfunction due to mutations is evident. The six other alleles potentially encode functional S-RNase proteins but are typically transcriptionally silenced. We identified three S-RNase alleles which are transcriptionally silenced under some conditions but actively expressed in others. In one case, expression of the S-RNase is associated with SI. In another case, S-RNase expression does not lead to SI, but instead confers a reproductive barrier against pollen tubes from other tomato species. In the third case, expression of S-RNase does not affect self, interspecific or inter-population reproductive barriers. Our results indicate that S-RNase expression is more dynamic than previously thought, and that changes in expression can impact different reproductive barriers within or between natural populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Broz
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Christopher M Miller
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - You Soon Baek
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | | | | | | | - Douglas B Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Patricia A Bedinger
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu J, Xu Q, Liu C, Liu B, Deng C, Chen C, Wei Z, Ahmad MH, Peng K, Wen H, Chen X, Chen P, Larkin RM, Ye J, Deng X, Chai L. Downregulated expression of S 2-RNase attenuates self-incompatibility in "Guiyou No. 1" pummelo. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2021; 8:199. [PMID: 34465762 PMCID: PMC8408199 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-021-00634-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Self-incompatibility (SI) substantially restricts the yield and quality of citrus. Therefore, breeding and analyzing self-compatible germplasm is of great theoretical and practical significance for citrus. Here, we focus on the mechanism of a self-compatibility mutation in 'Guiyou No. 1' pummelo (Citrus maxima), which is a spontaneous mutant of 'Shatian' pummelo (Citrus maxima, self-incompatibility). The rate of fruit set and the growth of pollen tubes in the pistil confirmed that a spontaneous mutation in the pistil is responsible for the self-compatibility of 'Guiyou No. 1'. Segregation ratios of the S genotype in F1 progeny, expression analysis, and western blotting validated that the reduced levels of S2-RNase mRNA contribute to the loss of SI in 'Guiyou No. 1'. Furthermore, we report a phased assembly of the 'Guiyou No. 1' pummelo genome and obtained two complete and well-annotated S haplotypes. Coupled with an analysis of SV variations, methylation levels, and gene expression, we identified a candidate gene (CgHB40), that may influence the regulation of the S2-RNase promoter. Our data provide evidence that a mutation that affects the pistil led to the loss of SI in 'Guiyou No. 1' by influencing a poorly understood mechanism that affects transcriptional regulation. This work significantly advances our understanding of the genetic basis of the SI system in citrus and provides information on the regulation of S-RNase genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Binghao Liu
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center of Citrus Breeding and Culture, Guangxi Academy of Specialty Crops, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongling Deng
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center of Citrus Breeding and Culture, Guangxi Academy of Specialty Crops, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanwu Chen
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center of Citrus Breeding and Culture, Guangxi Academy of Specialty Crops, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuangmin Wei
- Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, Nanning, 530001, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Husnain Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Peng
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wen
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangling Chen
- Horticulture Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Nanning Investigation & Experiment Station of South Subtropical Fruit Trees, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Chen
- Horticultural Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, People's Republic of China
| | - Robert M Larkin
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Junli Ye
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuxin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Chai
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Du J, Ge C, Li T, Wang S, Gao Z, Sassa H, Qiao Y. Molecular characteristics of S-RNase alleles as the determinant of self-incompatibility in the style of Fragaria viridis. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2021; 8:185. [PMID: 34333550 PMCID: PMC8325692 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-021-00623-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is a member of the Rosoideae subfamily in the family Rosaceae. The self-incompatibility (SI) of some diploid species is a key agronomic trait that acts as a basic pollination barrier; however, the genetic mechanism underlying SI control in strawberry remains unclear. Two candidate S-RNases (Sa- and Sb-RNase) identified in the transcriptome of the styles of the self-incompatible Fragaria viridis 42 were confirmed to be SI determinants at the S locus following genotype identification and intraspecific hybridization using selfing progenies. Whole-genome collinearity and RNase T2 family analysis revealed that only an S locus exists in Fragaria; however, none of the compatible species contained S-RNase. Although the results of interspecific hybridization experiments showed that F. viridis (SI) styles could accept pollen from F. mandshurica (self-compatible), the reciprocal cross was incompatible. Sa and Sb-RNase contain large introns, and their noncoding sequences (promotors and introns) can be transcribed into long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Overall, the genus Fragaria exhibits S-RNase-based gametophytic SI, and S-RNase loss occurs at the S locus of compatible germplasms. In addition, a type of SI-independent unilateral incompatibility exists between compatible and incompatible Fragaria species. Furthermore, the large introns and neighboring lncRNAs in S-RNase in Fragaria could offer clues about S-RNase expression strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianke Du
- Laboratory of Fruit Crop Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, 271-8510, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chunfeng Ge
- Laboratory of Fruit Crop Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Laboratory of Fruit Crop Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sanhong Wang
- Laboratory of Fruit Crop Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhihong Gao
- Laboratory of Fruit Crop Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hidenori Sassa
- Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, 271-8510, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yushan Qiao
- Laboratory of Fruit Crop Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Propagation of an Epigenetic Age-Related Disorder in Almond Is Governed by Vegetative Bud Ontogeny Rather Than Chimera-Type Cell Lineage. HORTICULTURAE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae7070190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A. Webb) represents a model system for the study of epigenetic age-related disorders in perennial plants because the economically important noninfectious bud-failure disorder is well characterized and shown to be associated with the clonal-age of the propagation source. Epigenetic changes regulating disorders such as changes in methylation or telomere-length shortening would be expected to occur in shoot apical meristem initial cells since subsequent daughter cells including those in ensuing shoot axillary meristems show an irreversible advance in epigenetic aging. Because multiple initial cells are involved in meristem development and growth, such ‘mutations’ would be expected to occur in some initial cells but not others, resulting in mericlinal or sectorial chimeras during subsequent shoot development that, in turn, would differentially affect vegetative buds present in the leaf axils of the shoot. To test this developmental pattern, 2180 trees propagated from axillary buds of known position within asymptomatic noninfectious bud-failure budstick sources were evaluated for the disorder. Results demonstrate that relative bud position was not a determinant of successful trait propagation, but rather all axillary buds within individual shoots showed very similar degrees of noninfectious bud-failure. Control is thus more analogous to tissue-wide imprinting rather than being restricted to discrete cell lineages as would be predicted by standard meristem cell fate-mapping.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fernandez i Marti A, Castro S, DeJong TM, Dodd RS. Evaluation of the S-locus in Prunus domestica, characterization, phylogeny and 3D modelling. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251305. [PMID: 33983990 PMCID: PMC8118244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-compatibility has become the primary objective of most prune (Prunus domestica) breeding programs in order to avoid the problems related to the gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system present in this crop. GSI is typically under the control of a specific locus., known as the S-locus., which contains at least two genes. The first gene encodes glycoproteins with RNase activity in the pistils., and the second is an SFB gene expressed in the pollen. There is limited information on genetics of SI/SC in prune and in comparison., with other Prunus species, cloning., sequencing and discovery of different S-alleles is very scarce. Clear information about S-alleles can be used for molecular identification and characterization of the S-haplotypes. We determined the S-alleles of 36 cultivars and selections using primers that revealed 17 new alleles. In addition, our study describes for the first time the association and design of a molecular marker for self-compatibility in P. domestica. Our phylogenetic tree showed that the S-alleles are spread across the phylogeny, suggesting that like previous alleles detected in the Rosaceae., they were of trans-specific origin. We provide for the first time 3D models for the P. domestica SI RNase alleles as well as in other Prunus species, including P. salicina (Japanese plum), P. avium (cherry), P. armeniaca (apricot), P. cerasifera and P. spinosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Fernandez i Marti
- Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Castro
- Plant Science, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Theodore M. DeJong
- Plant Science, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Richard S. Dodd
- Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Goonetilleke SN, Croxford AE, March TJ, Wirthensohn MG, Hrmova M, Mather DE. Variation among S-locus haplotypes and among stylar RNases in almond. Sci Rep 2020; 10:583. [PMID: 31953457 PMCID: PMC6969032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57498-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In many plant species, self-incompatibility systems limit self-pollination and mating among relatives. This helps maintain genetic diversity in natural populations but imposes constraints in agriculture and plant breeding. In almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb], the specificity of self-incompatibility is mainly determined by stylar ribonuclease (S-RNase) and S-haplotype-specific F-box (SFB) proteins, both encoded within a complex locus, S. Prior to this research, a nearly complete sequence was available for one S-locus haplotype. Here, we report complete sequences for four haplotypes and partial sequences for 11 haplotypes. Haplotypes vary in sequences of genes (particularly S-RNase and SFB), distances between genes and numbers and positions of long terminal repeat transposons. Haplotype variation outside of the S-RNase and SFB genes may help maintain functionally important associations between S-RNase and SFB alleles. Fluorescence-based assays were developed to distinguish among some S-RNase alleles. With three-dimensional modelling of five S-RNase proteins, conserved active sites were identified and variation was observed in electrostatic potential and in the numbers, characteristics and positions of secondary structural elements, loop anchoring points and glycosylation sites. A hypervariable region on the protein surface and differences in the number, location and types of glycosylation sites may contribute to determining S-RNase specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shashi N Goonetilleke
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Adam E Croxford
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Timothy J March
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Michelle G Wirthensohn
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Maria Hrmova
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an, 223300, China
| | - Diane E Mather
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Muñoz-Sanz JV, Zuriaga E, Cruz-García F, McClure B, Romero C. Self-(In)compatibility Systems: Target Traits for Crop-Production, Plant Breeding, and Biotechnology. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:195. [PMID: 32265945 PMCID: PMC7098457 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Self-incompatibility (SI) mechanisms prevent self-fertilization in flowering plants based on specific discrimination between self- and non-self pollen. Since this trait promotes outcrossing and avoids inbreeding it is a widespread mechanism of controlling sexual plant reproduction. Growers and breeders have effectively exploited SI as a tool for manipulating domesticated crops for thousands of years. However, only within the past thirty years have studies begun to elucidate the underlying molecular features of SI. The specific S-determinants and some modifier factors controlling SI have been identified in the sporophytic system exhibited by Brassica species and in the two very distinct gametophytic systems present in Papaveraceae on one side and in Solanaceae, Rosaceae, and Plantaginaceae on the other. Molecular level studies have enabled SI to SC transitions (and vice versa) to be intentionally manipulated using marker assisted breeding and targeted approaches based on transgene integration, silencing, and more recently CRISPR knock-out of SI-related factors. These scientific advances have, in turn, provided a solid basis to implement new crop production and plant breeding practices. Applications of self-(in)compatibility include widely differing objectives such as crop yield and quality improvement, marker-assisted breeding through SI genotyping, and development of hybrids for overcoming intra- and interspecific reproductive barriers. Here, we review scientific progress as well as patented applications of SI, and also highlight future prospects including further elucidation of SI systems, deepening our understanding of SI-environment relationships, and new perspectives on plant self/non-self recognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Zuriaga
- Centro de Citricultura y Producción Vegetal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe Cruz-García
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bruce McClure
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Carlos Romero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)—Universitat Politécnica de València (UPV), Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Carlos Romero,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abdallah D, Baraket G, Perez V, Ben Mustapha S, Salhi-Hannachi A, Hormaza JI. Analysis of Self-Incompatibility and Genetic Diversity in Diploid and Hexaploid Plum Genotypes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:896. [PMID: 31354768 PMCID: PMC6640205 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, S-genotyping has been extensively investigated in fruit tree crops such as those belonging to the Prunus genus, including plums. In plums, S-allele typing has been largely studied in diploid species but works are scarcer in polyploid species due to the complexity of the polyploid genome. This study was conducted in order to analyze the S-genotypes of 30 diploid P. salicina, 17 of them reported here for the first time, and 29 hexaploid plums (24 of P. domestica and 5 of P. insititia). PCR analysis allowed identifying nine S-alleles in the P. salicina samples allocating the 30 accessions in 16 incompatibility groups, two of them identified here for the first time. In addition, pollen tube growth was studied in self-pollinated flowers of 17 Tunisian P. salicina under the microscope. In 16 samples, including one carrying the Se allele, which has been correlated with self-compatibility, the pollen tubes were arrested in the style. Only in one cultivar ("Bedri"), the pollen tubes reached the base of the style. Twelve S-alleles were identified in the 24 P. domestica and 5 P. insititia accessions, assigning accessions in 16 S-genotypes. S-genotyping results were combined with nine SSR loci to analyze genetic diversity. Results showed a close genetic relationship between P. domestica and P. salicina and between P. domestica and P. insititia corroborating that S-locus genotyping is suitable for molecular fingerprinting in diploid and polyploid Prunus species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donia Abdallah
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Immunologie et Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ghada Baraket
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Immunologie et Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Veronica Perez
- Unidad Técnica del IPNA-CSIC, Laboratorio de Agrobiología Juan José Bravo Rodríguez (Cabildo Insular de La Palma), Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain
| | - Sana Ben Mustapha
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Immunologie et Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Salhi-Hannachi
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Immunologie et Biotechnologie, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jose I. Hormaza
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora (IHSM La Mayora -UMA-CSIC), Algarrobo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guo H, Halitschke R, Wielsch N, Gase K, Baldwin IT. Mate Selection in Self-Compatible Wild Tobacco Results from Coordinated Variation in Homologous Self-Incompatibility Genes. Curr Biol 2019; 29:2020-2030.e5. [PMID: 31178322 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In flowering plants, intraspecific mate preference is frequently related to mating systems: the rejection of self pollen in self-incompatible (SI) plants that prevents inbreeding is one of the best described examples. However, in other mating systems, more nuanced patterns of pollen rejection occur. In the self-compatible (SC) Nicotiana attenuata, in which SI is not found and all crosses are compatible, certain pollen genotypes are consistently selected in mixed pollinations. However, the molecular mechanisms of this polyandrous mate selection remain unknown. Style-expressed NaS-like-RNases and pollen-expressed NaSLF-like genes, homologous to SI factors in Solanaceae, were identified and examined for a role in N. attenuata's mate selection. A comparison of two NaS-like-RNases and six NaSLF-like genes among 26 natural accessions revealed specific combinations of co-expression and direct protein-protein interactions. To evaluate their role in mate selection, we silenced the expression of specific NaS-like-RNases and NaSLF-like proteins and conducted diagnostic binary mixed pollinations and mixed pollinations with 14 different non-self pollen donors. Styles expressing particular combinations of NaS-like-RNases selected mates from plants with corresponding NaS-like-RNase expression patterns, while styles lacking NaS-like-RNase expression were non-selective in their fertilizations, which reflected the genotype ratios of pollen mixtures deposited on the stigmas. DNA methylation could account for some of the observed variation in stylar NaS-like-RNase patterns. We conclude that the S-RNase-SLF recognition mechanism plays a central role in polyandrous mate selection in this self-compatible species. These results suggest that after the SI-SC transition, natural variation of SI homologous genes was repurposed to mediate intraspecific mate selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Guo
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 8, DE-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Rayko Halitschke
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 8, DE-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Natalie Wielsch
- Research Group Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 8, DE-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Klaus Gase
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 8, DE-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ian T Baldwin
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 8, DE-07745 Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Prudencio ÁS, Werner O, Martínez-García PJ, Dicenta F, Ros RM, Martínez-Gómez P. DNA Methylation Analysis of Dormancy Release in Almond ( Prunus dulcis) Flower Buds Using Epi-Genotyping by Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113542. [PMID: 30423798 PMCID: PMC6274898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications have been described as epigenetic regulation mechanisms involved in developmental transitions in plants, including seasonal changes in fruit trees. In species like almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A: Webb), prolonged exposure to cold temperatures is required for dormancy release and flowering. Aiming to identify genomic regions with differential methylation states in response to chill accumulation, we carried out Illumina reduced-representation genome sequencing on bisulfite-treated DNA from floral buds. To do this, we analyzed almond genotypes with different chilling requirements and flowering times both before and after dormancy release for two consecutive years. The study was performed using epi-Genotyping by Sequencing (epi-GBS). A total of 7317 fragments were sequenced and the samples compared. Out of these fragments, 677 were identified as differentially methylated between the almond genotypes. Mapping these fragments using the Prunus persica (L.) Batsch v.2 genome as reference provided information about coding regions linked to early and late flowering methylation markers. Additionally, the methylation state of ten gene-coding sequences was found to be linked to the dormancy release process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángela S Prudencio
- Department of Plant Breeding, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Olaf Werner
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | | | - Federico Dicenta
- Department of Plant Breeding, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Rosa M Ros
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pedro Martínez-Gómez
- Department of Plant Breeding, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Prudencio ÁS, Werner O, Martínez-García PJ, Dicenta F, Ros RM, Martínez-Gómez P. DNA Methylation Analysis of Dormancy Release in Almond ( Prunus dulcis) Flower Buds Using Epi-Genotyping by Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2018. [PMID: 30423798 DOI: 10.3542/ijms19113542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications have been described as epigenetic regulation mechanisms involved in developmental transitions in plants, including seasonal changes in fruit trees. In species like almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A: Webb), prolonged exposure to cold temperatures is required for dormancy release and flowering. Aiming to identify genomic regions with differential methylation states in response to chill accumulation, we carried out Illumina reduced-representation genome sequencing on bisulfite-treated DNA from floral buds. To do this, we analyzed almond genotypes with different chilling requirements and flowering times both before and after dormancy release for two consecutive years. The study was performed using epi-Genotyping by Sequencing (epi-GBS). A total of 7317 fragments were sequenced and the samples compared. Out of these fragments, 677 were identified as differentially methylated between the almond genotypes. Mapping these fragments using the Prunus persica (L.) Batsch v.2 genome as reference provided information about coding regions linked to early and late flowering methylation markers. Additionally, the methylation state of ten gene-coding sequences was found to be linked to the dormancy release process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángela S Prudencio
- Department of Plant Breeding, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Olaf Werner
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | | | - Federico Dicenta
- Department of Plant Breeding, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Rosa M Ros
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pedro Martínez-Gómez
- Department of Plant Breeding, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Herrera S, Lora J, Hormaza JI, Herrero M, Rodrigo J. Optimizing Production in the New Generation of Apricot Cultivars: Self-incompatibility, S-RNase Allele Identification, and Incompatibility Group Assignment. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:527. [PMID: 29755489 PMCID: PMC5935046 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a species of the Rosaceae that was originated in Central Asia, from where it entered Europe through Armenia. The release of an increasing number of new cultivars from different breeding programs is resulting in an important renewal of plant material worldwide. Although most traditional apricot cultivars in Europe are self-compatible, the use of self-incompatible cultivars as parental genotypes for breeding purposes is leading to the introduction of a number of new cultivars that behave as self-incompatible. As a consequence, there is an increasing need to interplant those new cultivars with cross-compatible cultivars to ensure fruit set in commercial orchards. However, the pollination requirements of many of these new cultivars are unknown. In this work, we analyze the pollination requirements of a group of 92 apricot cultivars, including traditional and newly-released cultivars from different breeding programs and countries. Self-compatibility was established by the observation of pollen tube behavior in self-pollinated flowers under the microscope. Incompatibility relationships between cultivars were established by the identification of S-alleles by PCR analysis. The self-(in)compatibility of 68 cultivars and the S-RNase genotype of 74 cultivars are reported herein for the first time. Approximately half of the cultivars (47) behaved as self-compatible and the other 45 as self-incompatible. Identification of S-alleles in self-incompatible cultivars allowed allocating them in 11 incompatibility groups, six of them reported here for the first time. The determination of pollination requirements and the incompatibility relationships between cultivars is highly valuable for the appropriate selection of apricot cultivars in commercial orchards and of parental genotypes in breeding programs. The approach described can be transferred to other woody perennial crops with similar problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Herrera
- Unidad de Hortofruticultura, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2, CITA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jorge Lora
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora (UMA-CSIC), Málaga, Spain
| | - José I. Hormaza
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora (UMA-CSIC), Málaga, Spain
| | - Maria Herrero
- Pomology Department, Estación Experimental Aula Dei-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Rodrigo
- Unidad de Hortofruticultura, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2, CITA, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Badenes ML, Fernández I Martí A, Ríos G, Rubio-Cabetas MJ. Application of Genomic Technologies to the Breeding of Trees. Front Genet 2016; 7:198. [PMID: 27895664 PMCID: PMC5109026 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent introduction of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies represents a major revolution in providing new tools for identifying the genes and/or genomic intervals controlling important traits for selection in breeding programs. In perennial fruit trees with long generation times and large sizes of adult plants, the impact of these techniques is even more important. High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have provided complete annotated sequences in many important tree species. Most of the high-throughput genotyping platforms described are being used for studies of genetic diversity and population structure. Dissection of complex traits became possible through the availability of genome sequences along with phenotypic variation data, which allow to elucidate the causative genetic differences that give rise to observed phenotypic variation. Association mapping facilitates the association between genetic markers and phenotype in unstructured and complex populations, identifying molecular markers for assisted selection and breeding. Also, genomic data provide in silico identification and characterization of genes and gene families related to important traits, enabling new tools for molecular marker assisted selection in tree breeding. Deep sequencing of transcriptomes is also a powerful tool for the analysis of precise expression levels of each gene in a sample. It consists in quantifying short cDNA reads, obtained by NGS technologies, in order to compare the entire transcriptomes between genotypes and environmental conditions. The miRNAs are non-coding short RNAs involved in the regulation of different physiological processes, which can be identified by high-throughput sequencing of RNA libraries obtained by reverse transcription of purified short RNAs, and by in silico comparison with known miRNAs from other species. All together, NGS techniques and their applications have increased the resources for plant breeding in tree species, closing the former gap of genetic tools between trees and annual species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Badenes
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias Valencia, Spain
| | - Angel Fernández I Martí
- Hortofruticulture Department, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of AragonZaragoza, Spain; Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CAUSA
| | - Gabino Ríos
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias Valencia, Spain
| | - María J Rubio-Cabetas
- Hortofruticulture Department, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Consuegra S, Rodríguez López CM. Epigenetic-induced alterations in sex-ratios in response to climate change: An epigenetic trap? Bioessays 2016; 38:950-8. [PMID: 27548838 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201600058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesize that under the predicted scenario of climate change epigenetically mediated environmental sex determination could become an epigenetic trap. Epigenetically regulated environmental sex determination is a mechanism by which species can modulate their breeding strategies to accommodate environmental change. Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms may play a key role in phenotypic plasticity and in the rapid adaptation of species to environmental change, through the capacity of organisms to maintain a non-genetic plastic memory of the environmental and ecological conditions experienced by their parents. However, inherited epigenetic variation could also be maladaptive, becoming an epigenetic trap. This is because environmental sex determination can alter sex ratios by increasing the survival of one of the sexes at the expense of negative fitness consequences for the other, which could lead not only to the collapse of natural populations, but also have an impact in farmed animal and plant species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Consuegra
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
| | - Carlos M Rodríguez López
- Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Group, School of Agriculture, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|