1
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Feng J, Dan X, Cui Y, Gong Y, Peng M, Sang Y, Ingvarsson PK, Wang J. Integrating evolutionary genomics of forest trees to inform future tree breeding amid rapid climate change. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:101044. [PMID: 39095989 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101044] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Global climate change is leading to rapid and drastic shifts in environmental conditions, posing threats to biodiversity and nearly all life forms worldwide. Forest trees serve as foundational components of terrestrial ecosystems and play a crucial and leading role in combating and mitigating the adverse effects of extreme climate events, despite their own vulnerability to these threats. Therefore, understanding and monitoring how natural forests respond to rapid climate change is a key priority for biodiversity conservation. Recent progress in evolutionary genomics, driven primarily by cutting-edge multi-omics technologies, offers powerful new tools to address several key issues. These include precise delineation of species and evolutionary units, inference of past evolutionary histories and demographic fluctuations, identification of environmentally adaptive variants, and measurement of genetic load levels. As the urgency to deal with more extreme environmental stresses grows, understanding the genomics of evolutionary history, local adaptation, future responses to climate change, and conservation and restoration of natural forest trees will be critical for research at the nexus of global change, population genomics, and conservation biology. In this review, we explore the application of evolutionary genomics to assess the effects of global climate change using multi-omics approaches and discuss the outlook for breeding of climate-adapted trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Feng
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuming Dan
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yangkai Cui
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Minyue Peng
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yupeng Sang
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pär K Ingvarsson
- Department of Plant Biology, Linnean Centre for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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2
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Peck LD, Sork VL. Can DNA methylation shape climate response in trees? TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 29:1089-1102. [PMID: 38853096 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.04.008] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Woody plants create the ecosystems they occupy and shape their biodiversity. Today's rapidly warming climate threatens these long-lived species by creating new environments in which existing populations become maladapted. Plants show enormous phenotypic diversity in response to environmental change, which can be caused by genotype or epigenetic mechanisms that influence the expression of the underlying DNA sequence. Whether epigenetics can affect ecologically important traits in trees is an important and controversial question. We explore the evidence that DNA methylation can affect gene expression, both directly and indirectly via its interaction with transposable elements (TEs), and subsequently shapes phenotypic variation in natural tree populations. Furthermore, we consider the potential of epigenetic approaches to assist in their conservation management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily D Peck
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Victoria L Sork
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
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3
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Vo BT, Mas P, Johannes F. Time's up: Epigenetic clocks in plants. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 81:102602. [PMID: 39024859 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
For over a decade, the animal field has led the way in using DNA methylation measurements to construct epigenetic clocks of aging. These clocks can predict organismal age with a level of accuracy that surpasses any other molecular proxy known to date. Evidence is finally emerging that epigenetic clocks also exist in plants. However, these clocks appear to differ from those in animals in some key aspects, including in their ability to measure time beyond the life span of an individual. Clock-like epigenetic changes can be found in plant circadian rhythms (scale: 24 h), during plant aging (scale: weeks/centuries), and across plant lineage evolution (scale: decades/millennia). Here, we provide a first classification of these different types of epigenetic clocks, highlight their main features, and discuss their biological basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binh Thanh Vo
- Plant Epigenomics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Paloma Mas
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frank Johannes
- Plant Epigenomics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany.
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4
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Liu S, Xu H, Wang G, Jin B, Cao F, Wang L. Tree Longevity: Multifaceted Genetic Strategies and Beyond. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 39254418 DOI: 10.1111/pce.15146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Old trees are remarkable for their ability to endure for centuries or even millennia, acting as recordkeepers of historical climate and custodians of genetic diversity. The secret to their longevity has long been a subject of fascination. Despite the challenges associated with studying old trees, such as massive size, slow growth rate, long lifespan and often remote habitat, accumulating studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying tree aging and longevity over the past decade. The recent publication of high-quality genomes of long-lived tree species, coupled with research on stem cell function and secondary metabolites in longevity, has brought us closer to unlocking the secrets of arboreal longevity. This review provides an overview of the global distribution of old trees and examines the environmental and anthropogenic factors that shape their presence. We summarize the contributions of physiological characteristics, stem cell activity, and immune system responses to their extraordinary longevity. We also explore the genetic and epigenetic 'longevity code', which consists of resistance and defense genes, DNA repair genes and patterns of DNA methylation modification. Further, we highlight key areas for future research that could enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tree longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Liu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Xu
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guibin Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Biao Jin
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fuliang Cao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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5
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Alakärppä E, Salo HM, Suokas M, Jokipii-Lukkari S, Vuosku J, Häggman H. Targeted bisulfite sequencing of Scots pine adaptation-related genes. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 346:112173. [PMID: 38944158 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112173] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
During environmental changes, epigenetic processes can enable adaptive responses faster than natural selection. In plants, very little is known about the role of DNA methylation during long-term adaptation. Scots pine is a widely distributed coniferous species which must adapt to different environmental conditions throughout its long lifespan. Thus, epigenetic modifications may contribute towards this direction. We provide bisulfite next-generation sequencing data from the putative promoters and exons of eight adaptation-related genes (A3IP2, CCA1, COL1, COL2, FTL2, MFT1, PHYO, and ZTL) in three Scots pine populations located in northern and southern parts of Finland. DNA methylation levels were studied in the two seed tissues: the maternal megagametophyte which contributes to embryo viability, and the biparental embryo which represents the next generation. In most genes, differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) were in line with our previously demonstrated gene expression differences found in the same Scots pine populations. In addition, we found a strong correlation of total methylation levels between the embryo and megagametophyte tissues of a given individual tree, which indicates that DNA methylation can be inherited from the maternal parent. In conclusion, our results imply that DNA methylation differences may contribute to the adaptation of Scots pine populations in different climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Alakärppä
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland.
| | - Heikki M Salo
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Marko Suokas
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Soile Jokipii-Lukkari
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Jaana Vuosku
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Hely Häggman
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
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6
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Sarre LA, Kim IV, Ovchinnikov V, Olivetta M, Suga H, Dudin O, Sebé-Pedrós A, de Mendoza A. DNA methylation enables recurrent endogenization of giant viruses in an animal relative. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado6406. [PMID: 38996012 PMCID: PMC11244446 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (5mC) is a widespread silencing mechanism that controls genomic parasites. In eukaryotes, 5mC has gained complex roles in gene regulation beyond parasite control, yet 5mC has also been lost in many lineages. The causes for 5mC retention and its genomic consequences are still poorly understood. Here, we show that the protist closely related to animals Amoebidium appalachense features both transposon and gene body methylation, a pattern reminiscent of invertebrates and plants. Unexpectedly, hypermethylated genomic regions in Amoebidium derive from viral insertions, including hundreds of endogenized giant viruses, contributing 14% of the proteome. Using a combination of inhibitors and genomic assays, we demonstrate that 5mC silences these giant virus insertions. Moreover, alternative Amoebidium isolates show polymorphic giant virus insertions, highlighting a dynamic process of infection, endogenization, and purging. Our results indicate that 5mC is critical for the controlled coexistence of newly acquired viral DNA into eukaryotic genomes, making Amoebidium a unique model to understand the hybrid origins of eukaryotic DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A. Sarre
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Iana V. Kim
- CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vladimir Ovchinnikov
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Marine Olivetta
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hiroshi Suga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Japan
| | - Omaya Dudin
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arnau Sebé-Pedrós
- CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex de Mendoza
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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7
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Yu G, Zhang B, Chen Q, Huang Z, Zhang B, Wang K, Han J. Dynamic DNA methylation modifications in the cold stress response of cassava. Genomics 2024; 116:110871. [PMID: 38806102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Cassava, a crucial tropical crop, faces challenges from cold stress, necessitating an exploration of its molecular response. Here, we investigated the role of DNA methylation in moderating the response to moderate cold stress (10 °C) in cassava. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we examined DNA methylation patterns in leaf blades and petioles under control conditions, 5 h, and 48 h of cold stress. Tissue-specific responses were observed, with leaf blades exhibiting subtle changes, while petioles displayed a pronounced decrease in methylation levels under cold stress. We identified cold stress-induced differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that demonstrated both tissue and treatment specificity. Importantly, these DMRs were enriched in genes with altered expression, implying functional relevance. The cold-response transcription factor ERF105 associated with DMRs emerged as a significant and conserved regulator across tissues and treatments. Furthermore, we investigated DNA methylation dynamics in transposable elements, emphasizing the sensitivity of MITEs with bHLH binding motifs to cold stress. These findings provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of response to cold stress in cassava, contributing to an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in this tropical plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangrun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; Xinglin College, Nantong University, Qidong 226236, China
| | - Baowang Zhang
- Qingdao Smart Rural Development Service Center, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Qi Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; Xinglin College, Nantong University, Qidong 226236, China
| | - Zequan Huang
- Xinglin College, Nantong University, Qidong 226236, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
| | - Jinlei Han
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
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8
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Fossdal CG, Krokene P, Olsen JE, Strimbeck R, Viejo M, Yakovlev I, Mageroy MH. Epigenetic stress memory in gymnosperms. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:1117-1133. [PMID: 38298164 PMCID: PMC11142372 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Gymnosperms are long-lived, cone-bearing seed plants that include some of the most ancient extant plant species. These relict land plants have evolved to survive in habitats marked by chronic or episodic stress. Their ability to thrive in these environments is partly due to their phenotypic flexibility, and epigenetic regulation likely plays a crucial part in this plasticity. We review the current knowledge on abiotic and biotic stress memory in gymnosperms and the possible epigenetic mechanisms underlying long-term phenotypic adaptations. We also discuss recent technological improvements and new experimental possibilities that likely will advance our understanding of epigenetic regulation in these ancient and hard-to-study plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Gunnar Fossdal
- Division of Plant Health and Biotechnology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Paal Krokene
- Division of Plant Health and Biotechnology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Jorunn Elisabeth Olsen
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås 1432, Norway
| | - Richard Strimbeck
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Marcos Viejo
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Igor Yakovlev
- Division of Plant Health and Biotechnology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Melissa H Mageroy
- Division of Plant Health and Biotechnology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås 1431, Norway
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9
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Chen S, Zhang Y, Liu L, Mo Y, Li J, Chen B, Zhou Y, Lin J, Jiang X, Wei L, Ling Y. Transcription and splicing variations of SR genes accompany with genome-wide accumulation of long-introns in pine. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 342:112056. [PMID: 38438082 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112056] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Most of mRNAs in Eukaryote were matured after the removal of introns in their pre-mRNA transcripts. Serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins are a group of splicing regulators regulating the splicing processes globally. Expressions of SR proteins themselves were extensively regulated, at both transcription and splicing levels, under different environmental conditions, specially heat stress conditions. The pine genome is characterized by super-long and easily methylated introns in a large number of genes that derived from the extensive accumulation of transposons (TEs). Here, we identified and analyzed the phylogenetic characteristics of 24 SR proteins and their encoding genes from the pine genome. Then we explored transcription and pre-mRNA splicing expression patterns of SR genes in P. massoniana seedlings under normal and heat stress temperature conditions. Our results showed that the transcription patterns of SR genes in pine exhibited significant changes compared to other plant species, and these changes were not strictly correlated with the intron length and DNA methylation intensity of the SR genes. Interestingly, none of the long introns of SR genes underwent alternative splicing (AS) in our experiment. Furthermore, the intensity of AS regulation may be related to the potential DNA methylation intensity of SR genes. Taken together, this study explores for the first time the characteristics of significant variations in the transcription and splicing patterns of SR proteins in a plant species with an over-accumulation of super-long introns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanlan Chen
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Li Liu
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yujian Mo
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Junyi Li
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Beibei Chen
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Guangdong Academy of Forestry/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Coastal Shelter-belt Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station Guangzhou, Guangdong 510520, China
| | - Jinxing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; South China Branch of National Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Long Wei
- Guangdong Academy of Forestry/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Guangdong Coastal Shelter-belt Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station Guangzhou, Guangdong 510520, China.
| | - Yu Ling
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; South China Branch of National Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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10
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Khodaeiaminjan M, Gomes C, Pagano A, Kruszka D, Sulima P, Przyborowski JA, Krajewski P, Paiva JAP. Impacts of in-vitro zebularine treatment on genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptomic profiles in Salix purpurea L. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14403. [PMID: 38923551 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Renewable energy resources such as biomass are crucial for a sustainable global society. Trees are a major source of lignocellulosic biomass, which can vary in response to different environmental factors owing to epigenetic regulation, such as DNA C-methylation. To investigate the effects of DNA methylation on plant development and wood formation, and its impacts on gene expression, with a focus on secondary cell wall (SCW)-associated genes, Salix purpurea plantlets were cloned from buds derived from a single hybrid tree for both treatment and control conditions. For the treatment condition, buds were exposed to 50 μM zebularine in vitro and a combined strategy of whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-seq was employed to examine the methylome and transcriptome profiles of different tissues collected at various time points under both conditions. Transcriptomic and methylome data revealed that most of the promoter and gene body demethylation had no marked effects on the expression profiles of genes. Nevertheless, gene expression tended to decrease with the increased methylation levels of genes with highly methylated promoters. Results indicated that demethylation is less evident in centromeric regions and sex chromosomes. Promoters of secondary cell wall-associated genes, such as 4-coumarate-CoA ligase-like and Rac-like GTP-binding protein RHO, were differentially methylated in the secondary xylem samples collected from two-month potted treated plants compared to control samples. Our results provide novel insights into DNA methylation and gene expression landscapes and a basis for investigating the epigenetic regulation of wood formation in S. purpurea as a model plant for bioenergy species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortaza Khodaeiaminjan
- Department of Integrative Plant Biology, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Carolina Gomes
- Department of Integrative Plant Biology, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrea Pagano
- Department of Integrative Plant Biology, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kruszka
- Department of Biometry and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Sulima
- Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Bioresource Engineering, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jerzy Andrzej Przyborowski
- Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Bioresource Engineering, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paweł Krajewski
- Department of Biometry and Bioinformatics, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jorge Almiro Pinto Paiva
- Department of Integrative Plant Biology, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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11
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Miao L, Xu W, Liu Y, Huang X, Chen Z, Wang H, Wang Z, Chen Y, Song Q, Zhang J, Han F, Peng H, Yao Y, Xin M, Hu Z, Ni Z, Sun Q, Xing J, Guo W. Reshaped DNA methylation cooperating with homoeolog-divergent expression promotes improved root traits in synthesized tetraploid wheat. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:507-523. [PMID: 38362849 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Polyploidization is a major event driving plant evolution and domestication. However, how reshaped epigenetic modifications coordinate gene transcription to generate phenotypic variations during wheat polyploidization is currently elusive. Here, we profiled transcriptomes and DNA methylomes of two diploid wheat accessions (SlSl and AA) and their synthetic allotetraploid wheat line (SlSlAA), which displayed elongated root hair and improved root capability for nitrate uptake and assimilation after tetraploidization. Globally decreased DNA methylation levels with a reduced difference between subgenomes were observed in the roots of SlSlAA. DNA methylation changes in first exon showed strong connections with altered transcription during tetraploidization. Homoeolog-specific transcription was associated with biased DNA methylation as shaped by homoeologous sequence variation. The hypomethylated promoters showed significantly enriched binding sites for MYB, which may affect gene transcription in response to root hair growth. Two master regulators in root hair elongation pathway, AlCPC and TuRSL4, exhibited upregulated transcription levels accompanied by hypomethylation in promoter, which may contribute to the elongated root hair. The upregulated nitrate transporter genes, including NPFs and NRTs, also are significantly associated with hypomethylation, indicating an epigenetic-incorporated regulation manner in improving nitrogen use efficiency. Collectively, these results provided new insights into epigenetic changes in response to crop polyploidization and underscored the importance of epigenetic regulation in improving crop traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Miao
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weiya Xu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiangyi Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Dryland Farming Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yongming Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qingxin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fangpu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huiru Peng
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yingyin Yao
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingming Xin
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhaorong Hu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhongfu Ni
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qixin Sun
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiewen Xing
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weilong Guo
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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12
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Liu J, Ke M, Sun Y, Niu S, Zhang W, Li Y. Epigenetic regulation and epigenetic memory resetting during plant rejuvenation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:733-745. [PMID: 37930766 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Reversal of plant developmental status from the mature to the juvenile phase, thus leading to the restoration of the developmental potential, is referred to as plant rejuvenation. It involves multilayer regulation, including resetting gene expression patterns, chromatin remodeling, and histone modifications, eventually resulting in the restoration of juvenile characteristics. Although plants can be successfully rejuvenated using some forestry practices to restore juvenile morphology, physiology, and reproductive capabilities, studies on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying this process are in the nascent stage. This review provides an overview of the plant rejuvenation process and discusses the key epigenetic mechanisms involved in DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling in the process of rejuvenation, as well as the roles of small RNAs in this process. Additionally, we present new inquiries regarding the epigenetic regulation of plant rejuvenation, aiming to advance our understanding of rejuvenation in sexually and asexually propagated plants. Overall, we highlight the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of plant rejuvenation, providing valuable insights into the complexity of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Meng Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuhan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shihui Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China
| | - Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Engineering Technology Research Center of Black Locust of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, PR China
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13
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Hong K, Radian Y, Manda T, Xu H, Luo Y. The Development of Plant Genome Sequencing Technology and Its Conservation and Application in Endangered Gymnosperms. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:4006. [PMID: 38068641 PMCID: PMC10708082 DOI: 10.3390/plants12234006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2024]
Abstract
Genome sequencing is widely recognized as a fundamental pillar in genetic research and legal studies of biological phenomena, providing essential insights for genetic investigations and legal analyses of biological events. The field of genome sequencing has experienced significant progress due to rapid improvements in scientific and technological developments. These advancements encompass not only significant improvements in the speed and quality of sequencing but also provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the subtle complexities of genomes, particularly in the context of rare species. Such a wide range of possibilities has successfully supported the validation of plant gene functions and the refinement of precision breeding methodologies. This expanded scope now includes a comprehensive exploration of the current state and conservation efforts of gymnosperm gene sequencing, offering invaluable insights into their genomic landscapes. This comprehensive review elucidates the trajectory of development and the diverse applications of genome sequencing. It encompasses various domains, including crop breeding, responses to abiotic stress, species evolutionary dynamics, biodiversity, and the unique challenges faced in the conservation and utilization of gymnosperms. It highlights both ongoing challenges and the unveiling of forthcoming developmental trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Hong
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an 223300, China;
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Y.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Yasmina Radian
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Y.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Teja Manda
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Y.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Haibin Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Y.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Yuming Luo
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an 223300, China;
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14
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Tian J, Zhang J, Francis F. Large-Scale Identification and Characterization Analysis of VQ Family Genes in Plants, Especially Gymnosperms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14968. [PMID: 37834416 PMCID: PMC10573558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
VQ motif-containing (VQ) proteins are a class of transcription regulatory cofactors widely present in plants, playing crucial roles in growth and development, stress response, and defense. Although there have been some reports on the member identification and functional research of VQ genes in some plants, there is still a lack of large-scale identification and clear graphical presentation of their basic characterization information to help us to better understand this family. Especially in gymnosperms, the VQ family genes and their evolutionary relationships have not yet been reported. In this study, we systematically identified 2469 VQ genes from 56 plant species, including bryophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, and analyzed their molecular and evolutionary features. We found that amino acids are only highly conserved in the VQ domain, while other positions are relatively variable; most VQ genes encode relatively small proteins and do not have introns. The GC content in Poaceae plants is the highest (up to 70%); these VQ proteins can be divided into nine subgroups. In particular, we analyzed the molecular characteristics, chromosome distribution, duplication events, and expression levels of VQ genes in three gymnosperms: Ginkgo biloba, Taxus chinensis, and Pinus tabuliformis. In gymnosperms, VQ genes are classified into 11 groups, with highly similar motifs in each group; most VQ proteins have less than 300 amino acids and are predicted to be located in nucleus. Tandem duplication is an important driving force for the expansion of the VQ gene family, and the evolutionary processes of most VQ genes and duplication events are relatively independent; some candidate VQ genes are preliminarily screened, and they are likely to be involved in plant growth and stress and defense responses. These results provide detailed information and powerful references for further understanding and utilizing the VQ family genes in various plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfu Tian
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium; (J.T.)
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium; (J.T.)
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Frédéric Francis
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium; (J.T.)
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15
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Batalova AY, Krutovsky KV. Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Longevity in Forest Trees. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10403. [PMID: 37373550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trees are unique in terms of development, sustainability and longevity. Some species have a record lifespan in the living world, reaching several millennia. The aim of this review is to summarize the available data on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of longevity in forest trees. In this review, we have focused on the genetic aspects of longevity of a few well-studied forest tree species, such as Quercus robur, Ginkgo biloba, Ficus benghalensis and F. religiosa, Populus, Welwitschia and Dracaena, as well as on interspecific genetic traits associated with plant longevity. A key trait associated with plant longevity is the enhanced immune defense, with the increase in gene families such as RLK, RLP and NLR in Quercus robur, the expansion of the CC-NBS-LRR disease resistance families in Ficus species and the steady expression of R-genes in Ginkgo biloba. A high copy number ratio of the PARP1 family genes involved in DNA repair and defense response was found in Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus sylvestris and Malus domestica. An increase in the number of copies of the epigenetic regulators BRU1/TSK/MGO3 (maintenance of meristems and genome integrity) and SDE3 (antiviral protection) was also found in long-lived trees. CHG methylation gradually declines in the DAL 1 gene in Pinus tabuliformis, a conservative age biomarker in conifers, as the age increases. It was shown in Larix kaempferi that grafting, cutting and pruning change the expression of age-related genes and rejuvenate plants. Thus, the main genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of longevity in forest trees were considered, among which there are both general and individual processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Y Batalova
- Genome Research and Education Center, Laboratory of Forest Genomics, Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Fundamental Biology and Biotechnology, Siberian Federal University, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Konstantin V Krutovsky
- Genome Research and Education Center, Laboratory of Forest Genomics, Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Fundamental Biology and Biotechnology, Siberian Federal University, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Department of Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August University of Göttingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Laboratory of Population Genetics, N.I. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Gubkin Str. 3, 119333 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific and Methodological Center, G.F. Morozov Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies, Timiryazeva Str. 8, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
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