1
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Wang L, Chen H, Zhuang Y, Chen K, Zhang C, Cai T, Yang Q, Fu H, Chen X, Chitkineni A, Wang X, Varshney RK, Zhuang W. Multiple strategies, including 6mA methylation, affecting plant alternative splicing in allopolyploid peanut. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1681-1702. [PMID: 38294334 PMCID: PMC11123434 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14296] [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] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS), an important post-transcriptional regulation mechanism in eukaryotes, can significantly increase transcript diversity and contribute to gene expression regulation and many other complicated developmental processes. While plant gene AS events are well described, few studies have investigated the comprehensive regulation machinery of plant AS. Here, we use multi-omics to analyse peanut AS events. Using long-read isoform sequencing, 146 464 full-length non-chimeric transcripts were obtained, resulting in annotation corrections for 1782 genes and the identification of 4653 new loci. Using Iso-Seq RNA sequences, 271 776 unique splice junctions were identified, 82.49% of which were supported by transcriptome data. We characterized 50 977 polyadenylation sites for 23 262 genes, 12 369 of which had alternative polyadenylation sites. AS allows differential regulation of the same gene by miRNAs at the isoform level coupled with polyadenylation. In addition, we identified many long non-coding RNAs and fusion transcripts. There is a suppressed effect of 6mA on AS and gene expression. By analysis of chromatin structures, the genes located in the boundaries of topologically associated domains, proximal chromosomal telomere regions, inter- or intra-chromosomal loops were found to have more unique splice isoforms, higher expression, lower 6mA and more transposable elements (TEs) in their gene bodies than the other genes, indicating that chromatin interaction, 6mA and TEs play important roles in AS and gene expression. These results greatly refine the peanut genome annotation and contribute to the study of gene expression and regulation in peanuts. This work also showed AS is associated with multiple strategies for gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Wang
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of Plant ProtectionFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Hua Chen
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of AgronomyFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Yuhui Zhuang
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of Life ScienceFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Kun Chen
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of Plant ProtectionFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Chong Zhang
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of AgronomyFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Tiecheng Cai
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of AgronomyFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of AgronomyFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Huiwen Fu
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of Plant ProtectionFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Crop Research InstituteFujian Academy of Agricultural SciencesFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Annapurna Chitkineni
- Centre for Crop & Food Innovation, State Agricultural Biotechnology CentreFood Futures Institute, Murdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Xiyin Wang
- North China University of Science and TechnologyTangshanChina
| | - Rajeev K. Varshney
- Centre for Crop & Food Innovation, State Agricultural Biotechnology CentreFood Futures Institute, Murdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Weijian Zhuang
- Center for Legume Plant Genetics and System Biology, College of AgronomyFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
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2
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Deans NC, Talbot JERB, Li M, Sáez-González C, Hövel I, Heavens D, Stam M, Hollick JB. Paramutation at the maize pl1 locus is associated with RdDM activity at distal tandem repeats. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011296. [PMID: 38814980 PMCID: PMC11166354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Exceptions to Mendelian inheritance often highlight novel chromosomal behaviors. The maize Pl1-Rhoades allele conferring plant pigmentation can display inheritance patterns deviating from Mendelian expectations in a behavior known as paramutation. However, the chromosome features mediating such exceptions remain unknown. Here we show that small RNA production reflecting RNA polymerase IV function within a distal downstream set of five tandem repeats is coincident with meiotically-heritable repression of the Pl1-Rhoades transcription unit. A related pl1 haplotype with three, but not one with two, repeat units also displays the trans-homolog silencing typifying paramutations. 4C interactions, CHD3a-dependent small RNA profiles, nuclease sensitivity, and polyadenylated RNA levels highlight a repeat subregion having regulatory potential. Our comparative and mutant analyses show that transcriptional repression of Pl1-Rhoades correlates with 24-nucleotide RNA production and cytosine methylation at this subregion indicating the action of a specific DNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex. These findings support a working model in which pl1 paramutation depends on trans-chromosomal RNA-directed DNA methylation operating at a discrete cis-linked and copy-number-dependent transcriptional regulatory element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C. Deans
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Centers for Applied Plant Sciences and RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Joy-El R. B. Talbot
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Mowei Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Centers for Applied Plant Sciences and RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Cristian Sáez-González
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Iris Hövel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maike Stam
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jay B. Hollick
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Centers for Applied Plant Sciences and RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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3
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Kumar S, Singh A, Bist CMS, Sharma M. Advancements in genetic techniques and functional genomics for enhancing crop traits and agricultural sustainability. Brief Funct Genomics 2024:elae017. [PMID: 38679487 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elae017] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variability is essential for the development of new crop varieties with economically beneficial traits. The traits can be inherited from wild relatives or induced through mutagenesis. Novel genetic elements can then be identified and new gene functions can be predicted. In this study, forward and reverse genetics approaches were described, in addition to their applications in modern crop improvement programs and functional genomics. By using heritable phenotypes and linked genetic markers, forward genetics searches for genes by using traditional genetic mapping and allele frequency estimation. Despite recent advances in sequencing technology, omics and computation, genetic redundancy remains a major challenge in forward genetics. By analyzing close-related genes, we will be able to dissect their functional redundancy and predict possible traits and gene activity patterns. In addition to these predictions, sophisticated reverse gene editing tools can be used to verify them, including TILLING, targeted insertional mutagenesis, gene silencing, gene targeting and genome editing. By using gene knock-down, knock-up and knock-out strategies, these tools are able to detect genetic changes in cells. In addition, epigenome analysis and editing enable the development of novel traits in existing crop cultivars without affecting their genetic makeup by increasing epiallelic variants. Our understanding of gene functions and molecular dynamics of various biological phenomena has been revised by all of these findings. The study also identifies novel genetic targets in crop species to improve yields and stress tolerances through conventional and non-conventional methods. In this article, genetic techniques and functional genomics are specifically discussed and assessed for their potential in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surender Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Anupama Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Chander Mohan Singh Bist
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171001, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Munish Sharma
- Department of Plant Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala-176215, Himachal Pradesh, India
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4
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Liu B, Yang D, Wang D, Liang C, Wang J, Lisch D, Zhao M. Heritable changes of epialleles near genes in maize can be triggered in the absence of CHH methylation. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2511-2532. [PMID: 38109503 PMCID: PMC10980416 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Trans-chromosomal interactions resulting in changes in DNA methylation during hybridization have been observed in several plant species. However, little is known about the causes or consequences of these interactions. Here, we compared DNA methylomes of F1 hybrids that are mutant for a small RNA biogenesis gene, Mop1 (Mediator of paramutation1), with that of their parents, wild-type siblings, and backcrossed progeny in maize (Zea mays). Our data show that hybridization triggers global changes in both trans-chromosomal methylation (TCM) and trans-chromosomal demethylation (TCdM), most of which involved changes in CHH methylation. In more than 60% of these TCM differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in which small RNAs are available, no significant changes in the quantity of small RNAs were observed. Methylation at the CHH TCM DMRs was largely lost in the mop1 mutant, although the effects of this mutant varied depending on the location of these DMRs. Interestingly, an increase in CHH at TCM DMRs was associated with enhanced expression of a subset of highly expressed genes and suppressed expression of a small number of lowly expressed genes. Examination of the methylation levels in backcrossed plants demonstrates that both TCM and TCdM can be maintained in the subsequent generation, but that TCdM is more stable than TCM. Surprisingly, although increased CHH methylation in most TCM DMRs in F1 plants required Mop1, initiation of a new epigenetic state of these DMRs did not require a functional copy of this gene, suggesting that initiation of these changes is independent of RNA-directed DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Liu
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Diya Yang
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Dafang Wang
- Biology Department, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Jianping Wang
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Damon Lisch
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Meixia Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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5
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Zhang D, Gan Y, Le L, Pu L. Epigenetic variation in maize agronomical traits for breeding and trait improvement. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00028-6. [PMID: 38310944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.006] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics-mediated breeding (Epibreeding) involves engineering crop traits and stress responses through the targeted manipulation of key epigenetic features to enhance agricultural productivity. While conventional breeding methods raise concerns about reduced genetic diversity, epibreeding propels crop improvement through epigenetic variations that regulate gene expression, ultimately impacting crop yield. Epigenetic regulation in crops encompasses various modes, including histone modification, DNA modification, RNA modification, non-coding RNA, and chromatin remodeling. This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms underlying major agronomic traits in maize and identifies candidate epigenetic landmarks in the maize breeding process. We propose a valuable strategy for improving maize yield through epibreeding, combining CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing technology and Synthetic Epigenetics (SynEpi). Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with maize trait improvement through epibreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daolei Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Yujun Gan
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Liang Le
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Li Pu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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6
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Zhou L, Gao G, Li X, Wang W, Tian S, Qin G. The pivotal ripening gene SlDML2 participates in regulating disease resistance in tomato. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:2291-2306. [PMID: 37466912 PMCID: PMC10579708 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14130] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Fruit ripening and disease resistance are two essential biological processes for quality formation and maintenance. DNA methylation, in the form of 5-methylcytosine (5mC), has been elucidated to modulate fruit ripening, but its role in regulating fruit disease resistance remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that mutation of SlDML2, the DNA demethylase gene essential for fruit ripening, affects multiple developmental processes of tomato besides fruit ripening, including seed germination, leaf length and width and flower branching. Intriguingly, loss of SlDML2 function decreased the resistance of tomato fruits against the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed an obvious transcriptome reprogramming caused by SlDML2 mutation during B. cinerea invasion. Among the thousands of differentially expressed genes, SlβCA3 encoding a β-carbonic anhydrase and SlFAD3 encoding a ω-3 fatty acid desaturase were demonstrated to be transcriptionally activated by SlDML2-mediated DNA demethylation and positively regulate tomato resistance to B. cinerea probably in the same genetic pathway with SlDML2. We further show that the pericarp tissue surrounding B. cinerea infection exhibited a delay in ripening with singnificant decrease in expression of ripening genes that are targeted by SlDML2 and increase in expression of SlβCA3 and SlFAD3. Taken together, our results uncover an essential layer of gene regulation mediated by DNA methylation upon B. cinerea infection and raise the possible that the DNA demethylase gene SlDML2, as a multifunctional gene, participates in modulating the trade-off between fruit ripening and disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- China National Botanical GardenBeijingChina
| | - Guangtong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- China National Botanical GardenBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- China National Botanical GardenBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Weihao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- China National Botanical GardenBeijingChina
| | - Shiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- China National Botanical GardenBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guozheng Qin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- China National Botanical GardenBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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7
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Liu B, Zhao M. How transposable elements are recognized and epigenetically silenced in plants? CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 75:102428. [PMID: 37481986 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2023.102428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Plant genomes are littered with transposable elements (TEs). Because TEs are potentially highly mutagenic, host organisms have evolved a set of defense mechanisms to recognize and epigenetically silence them. Although the maintenance of TE silencing is well studied, our understanding of the initiation of TE silencing is limited, but it clearly involves small RNAs and DNA methylation. Once TEs are silent, the silent state can be maintained to subsequent generations. However, under some circumstances, such inheritance is unstable, leading to the escape of TEs to the silencing machinery, resulting in the transcriptional activation of TEs. Epigenetic control of TEs has been found to be closely linked to many other epigenetic phenomena, such as genomic imprinting, and is known to contribute to regulation of genes, especially those near TEs. Here we review and discuss the current models of TE silencing, its unstable inheritance after hybridization, and the effects of epigenetic regulation of TEs on genomic imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Liu
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Meixia Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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8
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Agius DR, Kapazoglou A, Avramidou E, Baranek M, Carneros E, Caro E, Castiglione S, Cicatelli A, Radanovic A, Ebejer JP, Gackowski D, Guarino F, Gulyás A, Hidvégi N, Hoenicka H, Inácio V, Johannes F, Karalija E, Lieberman-Lazarovich M, Martinelli F, Maury S, Mladenov V, Morais-Cecílio L, Pecinka A, Tani E, Testillano PS, Todorov D, Valledor L, Vassileva V. Exploring the crop epigenome: a comparison of DNA methylation profiling techniques. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1181039. [PMID: 37389288 PMCID: PMC10306282 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1181039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play a vital role in the preservation of genome integrity and in the regulation of gene expression. DNA methylation, one of the key mechanisms of epigenetic control, impacts growth, development, stress response and adaptability of all organisms, including plants. The detection of DNA methylation marks is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying these processes and for developing strategies to improve productivity and stress resistance of crop plants. There are different methods for detecting plant DNA methylation, such as bisulfite sequencing, methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, MS and immuno-based techniques. These profiling approaches vary in many aspects, including DNA input, resolution, genomic region coverage, and bioinformatics analysis. Selecting an appropriate methylation screening approach requires an understanding of all these techniques. This review provides an overview of DNA methylation profiling methods in crop plants, along with comparisons of the efficacy of these techniques between model and crop plants. The strengths and limitations of each methodological approach are outlined, and the importance of considering both technical and biological factors are highlighted. Additionally, methods for modulating DNA methylation in model and crop species are presented. Overall, this review will assist scientists in making informed decisions when selecting an appropriate DNA methylation profiling method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Rita Agius
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Biology Department, Ġ.F.Abela Junior College, Msida, Malta
| | - Aliki Kapazoglou
- Department of Vitis, Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture (IOSV), Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA), Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Avramidou
- Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA), Athens, Greece
| | - Miroslav Baranek
- Mendeleum-Insitute of Genetics, Faculty of Horticulture, Mendel University in Brno, Lednice, Czechia
| | - Elena Carneros
- Center for Biological Research (CIB) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Caro
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefano Castiglione
- Department of Chemistry and Biology ‘A. Zambelli’, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Angela Cicatelli
- Department of Chemistry and Biology ‘A. Zambelli’, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Radanovic
- Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jean-Paul Ebejer
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Daniel Gackowski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Francesco Guarino
- Department of Chemistry and Biology ‘A. Zambelli’, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Andrea Gulyás
- Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Hungary
| | - Norbert Hidvégi
- Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Hungary
| | - Hans Hoenicka
- Genomic Research Department, Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Vera Inácio
- BioISI – BioSystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frank Johannes
- Plant Epigenomics, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Germany
| | - Erna Karalija
- Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Michal Lieberman-Lazarovich
- Department of Vegetables and Field Crops, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Institute of Plant Sciences, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | | | - Stéphane Maury
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures EA1207 USC1328, INRAE, Université d’Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Velimir Mladenov
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Leonor Morais-Cecílio
- Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ales Pecinka
- Centre of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics, Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Eleni Tani
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pilar S. Testillano
- Center for Biological Research (CIB) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitar Todorov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Luis Valledor
- Plant Physiology, Department of Organisms and Systems Biology and University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Valya Vassileva
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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9
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Liu B, Yang D, Wang D, Liang C, Wang J, Lisch D, Zhao M. Heritable changes of epialleles in maize can be triggered in the absence of DNA methylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.15.537008. [PMID: 37131670 PMCID: PMC10153178 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.15.537008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Trans-chromosomal interactions resulting in changes in DNA methylation during hybridization have been observed in several plant species. However, very little is known about the causes or consequences of these interactions. Here, we compared DNA methylomes of F1 hybrids that are mutant for a small RNA biogenesis gene, Mop1 (mediator of paramutation1) with that of their parents, wild type siblings, and backcrossed progeny in maize. Our data show that hybridization triggers global changes in both trans-chromosomal methylation (TCM) and trans-chromosomal demethylation (TCdM), most of which involved changes in CHH methylation. In more than 60% of these TCM differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in which small RNAs are available, no significant changes in the quantity of small RNAs were observed. Methylation at the CHH TCM DMRs was largely lost in the mop1 mutant, although the effects of this mutant varied depending on the location of the CHH DMRs. Interestingly, an increase in CHH at TCM DMRs was associated with enhanced expression of a subset of highly expressed genes and suppressed expression of a small number of lowly expressed genes. Examination of the methylation levels in backcrossed plants demonstrates that TCM and TCdM can be maintained in the subsequent generation, but that TCdM is more stable than TCM. Surprisingly, although increased CHH methylation in F1 plants did require Mop1, initiation of the changes in the epigenetic state of TCM DMRs did not require a functional copy of this gene, suggesting that initiation of these changes is not dependent on RNA-directed DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Liu
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056
| | - Diya Yang
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056
| | - Dafang Wang
- Biology Department, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056
| | - Jianping Wang
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Damon Lisch
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Meixia Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
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10
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Hartwig T, Banf M, Prietsch GP, Zhu JY, Mora-Ramírez I, Schippers JHM, Snodgrass SJ, Seetharam AS, Huettel B, Kolkman JM, Yang J, Engelhorn J, Wang ZY. Hybrid allele-specific ChIP-seq analysis identifies variation in brassinosteroid-responsive transcription factor binding linked to traits in maize. Genome Biol 2023; 24:108. [PMID: 37158941 PMCID: PMC10165856 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02909-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variation in regulatory sequences that alter transcription factor (TF) binding is a major cause of phenotypic diversity. Brassinosteroid is a growth hormone that has major effects on plant phenotypes. Genetic variation in brassinosteroid-responsive cis-elements likely contributes to trait variation. Pinpointing such regulatory variations and quantitative genomic analysis of the variation in TF-target binding, however, remains challenging. How variation in transcriptional targets of signaling pathways such as the brassinosteroid pathway contributes to phenotypic variation is an important question to be investigated with innovative approaches. RESULTS Here, we use a hybrid allele-specific chromatin binding sequencing (HASCh-seq) approach and identify variations in target binding of the brassinosteroid-responsive TF ZmBZR1 in maize. HASCh-seq in the B73xMo17 F1s identifies thousands of target genes of ZmBZR1. Allele-specific ZmBZR1 binding (ASB) has been observed for 18.3% of target genes and is enriched in promoter and enhancer regions. About a quarter of the ASB sites correlate with sequence variation in BZR1-binding motifs and another quarter correlate with haplotype-specific DNA methylation, suggesting that both genetic and epigenetic variations contribute to the high level of variation in ZmBZR1 occupancy. Comparison with GWAS data shows linkage of hundreds of ASB loci to important yield and disease-related traits. CONCLUSION Our study provides a robust method for analyzing genome-wide variations of TF occupancy and identifies genetic and epigenetic variations of the brassinosteroid response transcription network in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hartwig
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40225, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, NRW, 50829, Germany.
| | - Michael Banf
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Gisele Passaia Prietsch
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jia-Ying Zhu
- Leibniz-Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstraße 3, Seeland, SA, 06466, Germany
| | - Isabel Mora-Ramírez
- Leibniz-Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstraße 3, Seeland, SA, 06466, Germany
| | - Jos H M Schippers
- Leibniz-Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Corrensstraße 3, Seeland, SA, 06466, Germany
| | - Samantha J Snodgrass
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 339A Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Arun S Seetharam
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 339A Bessey Hall, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Bruno Huettel
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, NRW, 50829, Germany
| | - Judith M Kolkman
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, Cornell University, 413 Bradfield Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jinliang Yang
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 363 Keim Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Julia Engelhorn
- Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, Düsseldorf, NRW, 40225, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, Cologne, NRW, 50829, Germany
| | - Zhi-Yong Wang
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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11
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Wang L, Wang L, Tan M, Wang L, Zhao W, You J, Wang L, Yan X, Wang W. The pattern of alternative splicing and DNA methylation alteration and their interaction in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) response to repeated drought stresses. Biol Res 2023; 56:12. [PMID: 36922868 PMCID: PMC10018860 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00424-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drought stress has significantly hampered agricultural productivity worldwide and can also result in modifications to DNA methylation levels. However, the dynamics of DNA methylation and its association with the changes in gene transcription and alternative splicing (AS) under drought stress are unknown in linseed, which is frequently cultivated in arid and semiarid regions. RESULTS We analysed AS events and DNA methylation patterns in drought-tolerant (Z141) and drought-sensitive (NY-17) linseed under drought stress (DS) and repeated drought stress (RD) treatments. We found that the number of intron-retention (IR) and alternative 3' splice site (Alt3'SS) events were significantly higher in Z141 and NY-17 under drought stress. We found that the linseed response to the DS treatment was mainly regulated by transcription, while the response to the RD treatment was coregulated by transcription and AS. Whole genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed that drought stress caused an increase in the overall methylation level of linseed. Although we did not observe any correlation between differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and differentially spliced genes (DSGs) in this study, we found that the DSGs whose gene body region was hypermethylated in Z141 and hypomethylated in NY-17 were enriched in abiotic stress response Gene Ontology (GO) terms. This finding implies that gene body methylation plays an important role in AS regulation in some specific genes. CONCLUSION Our study is the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the relationship between linseed methylation changes and AS under drought and repeated drought stress. Our study revealed different interaction patterns between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DSGs under DS and RD treatments and differences between methylation and AS regulation in drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive linseed varieties. The findings will probably be of interest in the future. Our results provide interesting insights into the association between gene expression, AS, and DNA methylation in linseed under drought stress. Differences in these associations may account for the differences in linseed drought tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Meilian Tan
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Linhai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Crop Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Jun You
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | | | - Xingchu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, 430062, China.
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12
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Tonosaki K, Fujimoto R, Dennis ES, Raboy V, Osabe K. Will epigenetics be a key player in crop breeding? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:958350. [PMID: 36247549 PMCID: PMC9562705 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.958350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
If food and feed production are to keep up with world demand in the face of climate change, continued progress in understanding and utilizing both genetic and epigenetic sources of crop variation is necessary. Progress in plant breeding has traditionally been thought to be due to selection for spontaneous DNA sequence mutations that impart desirable phenotypes. These spontaneous mutations can expand phenotypic diversity, from which breeders can select agronomically useful traits. However, it has become clear that phenotypic diversity can be generated even when the genome sequence is unaltered. Epigenetic gene regulation is a mechanism by which genome expression is regulated without altering the DNA sequence. With the development of high throughput DNA sequencers, it has become possible to analyze the epigenetic state of the whole genome, which is termed the epigenome. These techniques enable us to identify spontaneous epigenetic mutations (epimutations) with high throughput and identify the epimutations that lead to increased phenotypic diversity. These epimutations can create new phenotypes and the causative epimutations can be inherited over generations. There is evidence of selected agronomic traits being conditioned by heritable epimutations, and breeders may have historically selected for epiallele-conditioned agronomic traits. These results imply that not only DNA sequence diversity, but the diversity of epigenetic states can contribute to increased phenotypic diversity. However, since the modes of induction and transmission of epialleles and their stability differ from that of genetic alleles, the importance of inheritance as classically defined also differs. For example, there may be a difference between the types of epigenetic inheritance important to crop breeding and crop production. The former may depend more on longer-term inheritance whereas the latter may simply take advantage of shorter-term phenomena. With the advances in our understanding of epigenetics, epigenetics may bring new perspectives for crop improvement, such as the use of epigenetic variation or epigenome editing in breeding. In this review, we will introduce the role of epigenetic variation in plant breeding, largely focusing on DNA methylation, and conclude by asking to what extent new knowledge of epigenetics in crop breeding has led to documented cases of its successful use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Tonosaki
- Kihara Institute for Biological Research, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ryo Fujimoto
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Elizabeth S. Dennis
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Victor Raboy
- Independent Researcher Portland, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kenji Osabe
- Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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13
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Junaid A, Singh NK, Gaikwad K. Evolutionary fates of gene-body methylation and its divergent association with gene expression in pigeonpea. THE PLANT GENOME 2022; 15:e20207. [PMID: 35790083 DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Huth) is an agronomically important legume cultivated worldwide. In this study, we extensively analyzed gene-body methylation (GbM) patterns in pigeonpea. We found a bimodal distribution of CG and CHG methylation patterns. GbM features- slow evolution rate and increased length remained conserved. Genes with moderate CG body methylation showed highest expression where as highly-methylated genes showed lowest expression. Transposable element (TE)-related genes were methylated in multiple contexts and hence classified as C-methylated genes. A low expression among C-methylated genes was associated with transposons insertion in gene-body and upstream regulatory regions. The CG methylation patterns were found to be conserved in orthologs compared with non-CG methylation. By comparing methylation patterns between differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the three genotypes, we found that variably methylated marks are less likely to target evolutionary conserved sequences. Finally, our analysis showed enrichment of nitrogen-related genes in GbM orthologs of legumes, which could be promising candidates for generating epialleles for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alim Junaid
- National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Nagendra Kumar Singh
- National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Kishor Gaikwad
- National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
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14
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Fang J, Jiang J, Leichter SM, Liu J, Biswal M, Khudaverdyan N, Zhong X, Song J. Mechanistic basis for maintenance of CHG DNA methylation in plants. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3877. [PMID: 35790763 PMCID: PMC9256654 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31627-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an evolutionarily conserved epigenetic mechanism essential for transposon silencing and heterochromatin assembly. In plants, DNA methylation widely occurs in the CG, CHG, and CHH (H = A, C, or T) contexts, with the maintenance of CHG methylation mediated by CMT3 chromomethylase. However, how CMT3 interacts with the chromatin environment for faithful maintenance of CHG methylation is unclear. Here we report structure-function characterization of the H3K9me2-directed maintenance of CHG methylation by CMT3 and its Zea mays ortholog ZMET2. Base-specific interactions and DNA deformation coordinately underpin the substrate specificity of CMT3 and ZMET2, while a bivalent readout of H3K9me2 and H3K18 allosterically stimulates substrate binding. Disruption of the interaction with DNA or H3K9me2/H3K18 led to loss of CMT3/ZMET2 activity in vitro and impairment of genome-wide CHG methylation in vivo. Together, our study uncovers how the intricate interplay of CMT3, repressive histone marks, and DNA sequence mediates heterochromatic CHG methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Fang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jianjun Jiang
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Sarah M Leichter
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Mahamaya Biswal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Nelli Khudaverdyan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Xuehua Zhong
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.
| | - Jikui Song
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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15
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Tirnaz S, Miyaji N, Takuno S, Bayer PE, Shimizu M, Akter MA, Edwards D, Batley J, Fujimoto R. Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Analysis in Brassica rapa subsp. perviridis in Response to Albugo candida Infection. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:849358. [PMID: 35812966 PMCID: PMC9261781 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.849358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark associated with several mechanisms in plants including immunity mechanisms. However, little is known about the regulatory role of DNA methylation in the resistance response of Brassica species against fungal diseases. White rust, caused by the fungus Albugo candida, is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases of all the cultivated Brassica species, particularly Brassica rapa L. and Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss. Here, we investigate whole-genome DNA methylation modifications of B. rapa subsp. perviridis in response to white rust. As a result, 233 and 275 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the susceptible cultivar "Misugi" and the resistant cultivar "Nanane" were identified, respectively. In both cultivars, more than half of the DMRs were associated with genes (DMR-genes). Gene expression analysis showed that 13 of these genes were also differentially expressed between control and infected samples. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of DMR genes revealed their involvement in various biological processes including defense mechanisms. DMRs were unevenly distributed around genes in susceptible and resistant cultivars. In "Misugi," DMRs tended to be located within genes, while in "Nanane," DMRs tended to be located up and downstream of the genes. However, CG DMRs were predominantly located within genes in both cultivars. Transposable elements also showed association with all three sequence contexts of DMRs but predominantly with CHG and CHH DMRs in both cultivars. Our findings indicate the occurrence of DNA methylation modifications in B. rapa in response to white rust infection and suggest a potential regulatory role of DNA methylation modification in defense mechanisms which could be exploited to improve disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soodeh Tirnaz
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Naomi Miyaji
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, Kitakami, Japan
| | - Shohei Takuno
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, SOKENDAI, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, Japan
| | - Philipp E. Bayer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | | | - Mst. Arjina Akter
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - David Edwards
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Batley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Ryo Fujimoto
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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16
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Verma P, Singh A, Purru S, Bhat KV, Lakhanpaul S. Comparative DNA Methylome of Phytoplasma Associated Retrograde Metamorphosis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11070954. [PMID: 36101335 PMCID: PMC9311523 DOI: 10.3390/biology11070954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Phytoplasma-associated diseases such as phyllody and little leaf are critical threats to sesame cultivation worldwide. The mechanism of the dramatic conversion of flowers to leafy structures leading to yield losses and the drastic reduction in leaf size due to Phytoplasma infection remains yet to be identified. Cytosine methylation profiles of healthy and infected sesame plants studied using Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) and Quantitative analysis of DNA methylation with the real-time PCR (qAMP) technique revealed altered DNA methylation patterns upon infection. Phyllody was associated with global cytosine hypomethylation, though predominantly in the CHH (where H = A, T or C) context. Interestingly, comparable cytosine methylation levels were observed between healthy and little leaf-affected plant samples in CG, CHG and CHH contexts. Among the different genomic fractions, the highest number of differentially methylated Cytosines was found in the intergenic regions, followed by promoter, exonic and intronic regions in decreasing order. Further, most of the differentially methylated genes were hypomethylated and were mainly associated with development and defense-related processes. Loci for STOREKEEPER protein-like, a DNA-binding protein and PP2-B15, an F-Box protein, responsible for plugging sieve plates to maintain turgor pressure within the sieve tubes were found to be hypomethylated by WGBS, which was confirmed by methylation-dependent restriction digestion and qPCR. Likewise, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase-7 homolog, a positive regulator of cryptochrome signaling involved in hypocotyl and cotyledon growth and probable O-methyltransferase 3 locus were determined to be hypermethylated. Phytoplasma infection-associated global differential methylation as well as the defense and development-related loci reported here for the first time significantly elucidate the mechanism of phytoplasma-associated disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Verma
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India;
| | - Amrita Singh
- Department of Botany, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110049, India;
| | - Supriya Purru
- ICAR-NAARM, Rajender Nagar, Hyderabad 500030, India;
| | | | - Suman Lakhanpaul
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-9868375756
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17
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Sun M, Yang Z, Liu L, Duan L. DNA Methylation in Plant Responses and Adaption to Abiotic Stresses. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136910. [PMID: 35805917 PMCID: PMC9266845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their sessile state, plants are inevitably affected by and respond to the external environment. So far, plants have developed multiple adaptation and regulation strategies to abiotic stresses. One such system is epigenetic regulation, among which DNA methylation is one of the earliest and most studied regulatory mechanisms, which can regulate genome functioning and induce plant resistance and adaption to abiotic stresses. In this review, we outline the most recent findings on plant DNA methylation responses to drought, high temperature, cold, salt, and heavy metal stresses. In addition, we discuss stress memory regulated by DNA methylation, both in a transient way and the long-term memory that could pass to next generations. To sum up, the present review furnishes an updated account of DNA methylation in plant responses and adaptations to abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Liu
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (L.D.)
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18
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Kumari P, Khan S, Wani IA, Gupta R, Verma S, Alam P, Alaklabi A. Unravelling the Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Development and Reproduction of Angiosperms: A Critical Appraisal. Front Genet 2022; 13:819941. [PMID: 35664328 PMCID: PMC9157814 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.819941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics are the heritable changes in gene expression patterns which occur without altering DNA sequence. These changes are reversible and do not change the sequence of the DNA but can alter the way in which the DNA sequences are read. Epigenetic modifications are induced by DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA-mediated mechanisms which alter the gene expression, primarily at the transcriptional level. Such alterations do control genome activity through transcriptional silencing of transposable elements thereby contributing toward genome stability. Plants being sessile in nature are highly susceptible to the extremes of changing environmental conditions. This increases the likelihood of epigenetic modifications within the composite network of genes that affect the developmental changes of a plant species. Genetic and epigenetic reprogramming enhances the growth and development, imparts phenotypic plasticity, and also ensures flowering under stress conditions without changing the genotype for several generations. Epigenetic modifications hold an immense significance during the development of male and female gametophytes, fertilization, embryogenesis, fruit formation, and seed germination. In this review, we focus on the mechanism of epigenetic modifications and their dynamic role in maintaining the genomic integrity during plant development and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Kumari
- Conservation and Molecular Biology Lab., Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, India
| | - Sajid Khan
- Conservation and Molecular Biology Lab., Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, India
| | - Ishfaq Ahmad Wani
- Conservation and Molecular Biology Lab., Department of Botany, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, India
| | - Renu Gupta
- Division of Soil Sciences & Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Chatha, India
| | - Susheel Verma
- Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
- *Correspondence: Susheel Verma,
| | - Pravej Alam
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU), Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alaklabi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Gladman N, Hufnagel B, Regulski M, Liu Z, Wang X, Chougule K, Kochian L, Magalhães J, Ware D. Sorghum root epigenetic landscape during limiting phosphorus conditions. PLANT DIRECT 2022; 6:e393. [PMID: 35600998 PMCID: PMC9107021 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Efficient acquisition and use of available phosphorus from the soil is crucial for plant growth, development, and yield. With an ever-increasing acreage of croplands with suboptimal available soil phosphorus, genetic improvement of sorghum germplasm for enhanced phosphorus acquisition from soil is crucial to increasing agricultural output and reducing inputs, while confronted with a growing world population and uncertain climate. Sorghum bicolor is a globally important commodity for food, fodder, and forage. Known for robust tolerance to heat, drought, and other abiotic stresses, its capacity for optimal phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) is still being investigated for optimized root system architectures (RSA). Whilst a few RSA-influencing genes have been identified in sorghum and other grasses, the epigenetic impact on expression and tissue-specific activation of candidate PUE genes remains elusive. Here, we present transcriptomic, epigenetic, and regulatory network profiling of RSA modulation in the BTx623 sorghum background in response to limiting phosphorus (LP) conditions. We show that during LP, sorghum RSA is remodeled to increase root length and surface area, likely enhancing its ability to acquire P. Global DNA 5-methylcytosine and H3K4 and H3K27 trimethylation levels decrease in response to LP, while H3K4me3 peaks and DNA hypomethylated regions contain recognition motifs of numerous developmental and nutrient responsive transcription factors that display disparate expression patterns between different root tissues (primary root apex, elongation zone, and lateral root apex).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Hufnagel
- Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueMontpellierLanguedoc‐RoussillonFrance
| | | | - Zhigang Liu
- Global Institute for Food SecurityUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonCanada
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Leon Kochian
- Global Institute for Food SecurityUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonCanada
| | | | - Doreen Ware
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNew YorkUSA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Agricultural Research Service, NEA Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and HealthCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
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Han Y, Lu M, Yue S, Li K, Dong M, Liu L, Wang H, Shang F. Comparative methylomics and chromatin accessibility analysis in Osmanthus fragrans uncovers regulation of genic transcription and mechanisms of key floral scent production. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhac096. [PMID: 35795393 PMCID: PMC9250655 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Linalool and ionone are two important aromatic components in sweet osmanthus petals, and the regulatory mechanisms that produce these two components remain unclear. In this study, we employed whole-genome methylation sequencing and ATAC-seq technology to analyze the genomic DNA methylation status and chromatin accessibility of the sweet osmanthus cultivars 'Zaohuang' and 'Chenghong Dangui'. Results showed that the promoter region of TPS2, a key gene in the linalool synthesis pathway, was less methylated in 'Chenghong Dangui' than in 'Zaohuang'. The chromatin was more accessible in 'Chenghong Dangui' than in 'Zaohuang', which resulted in a much stronger expression of this gene in 'Chenghong Dangui' than in 'Zaohuang'. This eventually led to a high quantity of linalool and its oxides in the petals of 'Chenghong Dangui', but there were lower levels present in the petals of 'Zaohuang'. These results suggest that DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility play major roles in linalool synthesis in sweet osmanthus. The methylation level of the promoter region of CCD4, a key gene for ionone synthesis, was higher in 'Zaohuang' than in 'Chenghong Dangui'. The chromatin accessibility was lower in 'Zaohuang' than in 'Chenghong Dangui', although the expression of this gene was significantly higher in 'Zaohuang' than in 'Chenghong Dangui'. ChIP-seq analysis and a series of experiments showed that the differential expression of CCD4 and CCD1 in the two cultivars may predominantly be the result of regulation by ERF2 and other transcription factors. However, a 183-bp deletion involving the CCD4 promoter region in 'Chenghong Dangui' may be the main reason for the low expression of this gene in its petals. This study provides an important theoretical basis for improving selective breeding of key floral fragrance components in sweet osmanthus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miaomiao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Laboratory of Plant Germplasm and Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Shumin Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Laboratory of Plant Germplasm and Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Ke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Laboratory of Plant Germplasm and Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Meifang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Laboratory of Plant Germplasm and Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Luxian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Laboratory of Plant Germplasm and Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Laboratory of Plant Germplasm and Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
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21
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CHROMOMETHYLTRANSFERASE3/KRYPTONITE maintains the sulfurea paramutation in Solanum lycopersicum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2112240119. [PMID: 35324329 PMCID: PMC9060480 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112240119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceParamutation involves the transfer of a repressive epigenetic mark between silent and active alleles. It is best known from exceptional non-Mendelian inheritance of conspicuous phenotypes in maize but also in other plants and animals. Recent genomic studies, however, indicate that paramutation may be less exceptional. It may be a consequence of wide-cross hybridization and may contribute to quantitative trait variation or unstable phenotypes in crops. Using the sulfurea (sulf) locus in tomato, we demonstrate that a self-reinforcing feedback loop involving DNA- and histone-methyl transferases CHROMOMETHYLTRANSFERASE3 (CMT3) and KRYPTONITE (KYP) is required for paramutation of sulf and that there is a change in chromatin organization. These findings advance the understanding of non-Mendelian inheritance in plants.
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22
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Muyle AM, Seymour DK, Lv Y, Huettel B, Gaut BS. Gene-body methylation in plants: mechanisms, functions and important implications for understanding evolutionary processes. Genome Biol Evol 2022; 14:6550137. [PMID: 35298639 PMCID: PMC8995044 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene body methylation (gbM) is an epigenetic mark where gene exons are methylated in the CG context only, as opposed to CHG and CHH contexts (where H stands for A, C, or T). CG methylation is transmitted transgenerationally in plants, opening the possibility that gbM may be shaped by adaptation. This presupposes, however, that gbM has a function that affects phenotype, which has been a topic of debate in the literature. Here, we review our current knowledge of gbM in plants. We start by presenting the well-elucidated mechanisms of plant gbM establishment and maintenance. We then review more controversial topics: the evolution of gbM and the potential selective pressures that act on it. Finally, we discuss the potential functions of gbM that may affect organismal phenotypes: gene expression stabilization and upregulation, inhibition of aberrant transcription (reverse and internal), prevention of aberrant intron retention, and protection against TE insertions. To bolster the review of these topics, we include novel analyses to assess the effect of gbM on transcripts. Overall, a growing body of literature finds that gbM correlates with levels and patterns of gene expression. It is not clear, however, if this is a causal relationship. Altogether, functional work suggests that the effects of gbM, if any, must be relatively small, but there is nonetheless evidence that it is shaped by natural selection. We conclude by discussing the potential adaptive character of gbM and its implications for an updated view of the mechanisms of adaptation in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuanda Lv
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Bruno Huettel
- Max Planck Genome Centre Cologne, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding, Cologne, Germany
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23
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Li H, Li X, Wang G, Zhang J, Wang G. Analysis of gene expression in early seed germination of rice: landscape and genetic regulation. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:70. [PMID: 35176996 PMCID: PMC8851807 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03458-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seed germination is a crucial process, which determines the initiation of seed plant life cycle. The early events during this important life cycle transition that called early seed germination is defined as initially water uptake plus radicle growing out of the covering seed layers. However, a specific genome-wide analysis of early seed germination in rice is still obscure. RESULTS In this study, the physiological characteristics of rice seed during seed germination are determined to define key points of early seed germination. Transcriptome analyses of early phase of seed germination provided deeper insight into the genetic regulation landscape. Many genes involved in starch-to-sucrose transition were differentially expressed, especially alpha-amylase 1b and beta-amylase 2, which were predominantly expressed. Differential exon usage (DEU) genes were identified, which were significantly enriched in the pathway of starch and sucrose metabolism, indicating that DEU events were critical for starch-to-sucrose transition at early seed germination. Transcription factors (TFs) were also dramatic expressed, including the abscisic acid (ABA) responsive gene, OsABI5, and gibberellic acid (GA) responsive genes, GAI. Moreover, GAI transactivated GA responsive gene, GAMYB in vivo, indicating a potential pathway involved in early seed germination process. In addition, CBL-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) genes, such as CIPK13, CIPK14 and CIPK17 were potentially interacted with other proteins, indicating its pivotal role at early seed germination. CONCLUSION Taken together, gene regulation of early seed germination in rice was complex and protein-to-gene or protein-to-protein interactions were indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxuan Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaozheng Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Guanjie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Guanqun Wang
- School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
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24
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Cao S, Wang L, Han T, Ye W, Liu Y, Sun Y, Moose SP, Song Q, Chen ZJ. Small RNAs mediate transgenerational inheritance of genome-wide trans-acting epialleles in maize. Genome Biol 2022; 23:53. [PMID: 35139883 PMCID: PMC8827192 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02614-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hybridization and backcrossing are commonly used in animal and plant breeding to induce heritable variation including epigenetic changes such as paramutation. However, the molecular basis for hybrid-induced epigenetic memory remains elusive. Results Here, we report that hybridization between the inbred parents B73 and Mo17 induces trans-acting hypermethylation and hypomethylation at thousands of loci; several hundreds (~ 3%) are transmitted through six backcrossing and three selfing generations. Notably, many transgenerational methylation patterns resemble epialleles of the nonrecurrent parent, despite > 99% of overall genomic loci are converted to the recurrent parent. These epialleles depend on 24-nt siRNAs, which are eliminated in the isogenic hybrid Mo17xB73:mop1-1 that is defective in siRNA biogenesis. This phenomenon resembles paramutation-like events and occurs in both intraspecific (Mo17xB73) and interspecific (W22xTeosinte) hybrid maize populations. Moreover, siRNA abundance and methylation levels of these epialleles can affect expression of their associated epigenes, many of which are related to stress responses. Conclusion Divergent siRNAs between the hybridizing parents can induce trans-acting epialleles in the hybrids, while the induced epigenetic status is maintained for transgenerational inheritance during backcross and hybrid breeding, which alters epigene expression to enhance growth and adaptation. These genetic and epigenetic principles may apply broadly from plants to animals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-022-02614-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Longfei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Tongwen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wenxue Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Stephen P Moose
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Qingxin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Z Jeffrey Chen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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25
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Tian P, Lin Z, Lin D, Dong S, Huang J, Huang T. The pattern of DNA methylation alteration, and its association with the changes of gene expression and alternative splicing during phosphate starvation in tomato. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 108:841-858. [PMID: 34492142 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is changed and associates with gene expression alterations in plant response to phosphate starvation (Pi-), a common stress that impacts plant growth and productivity. However, in the horticultural model species Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), the dynamics of DNA methylation and its relationship with changes in gene transcription and alternative splicing (AS) under Pi- are unknown. Here, we performed integrative methylome and transcriptome analyses of tomato seedlings under Pi-deficient and -sufficient conditions. We found Pi- caused a slight increase in the overall methylation level, with millions of differentially methylated cytosines (DmCs) and a few hundred differentially methylated regions (DMRs). We also identified thousands of differentially expressed (DE) and differential AS (DAS) genes induced by Pi-, and found that DmCs were more abundant in non-expressed genes than in DE or DAS genes. Moreover, DNA methylation alterations weakly correlated with transcription changes but not with DAS events, and hyper-CHH-DMRs overlapping with transposable elements (TEs) were enriched in a subset of Pi starvation response (PSR) genes. We propose that changes in DNA methylation may be associated with the differential expression of some PSR genes, but that most of these changes probably control the expression of nearby TEs, rather than directly affecting the transcription or AS of PSR genes. Besides, the pattern of methylation changes upon Pi- may largely be shaped by TE distributions. Together, our study provides comprehensive insights into the association of DNA methylation with gene transcription and AS under Pi- in tomato and may contribute to unveiling novel roles of epigenetic mechanisms in plant stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Zeteng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Dongbo Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Shuangyu Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Jianzi Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Tengbo Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
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26
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Minow MAA, Lukens L, Rossi V, Colasanti J. Patterns of stability and change in the maize genome: a case study of small RNA transcriptomes in two recombinant inbred lines and their progenitors. Genome 2021; 65:1-12. [PMID: 34597524 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2021-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs) are epigenetic regulators of eukaryotic genes and transposable elements (TEs). Diverse sRNA expression patterns exist within a species, but how this diversity arises is not well understood. To provide a window into the dynamics of maize sRNA patterning, sRNA and mRNA transcriptomes were examined in two related Zea mays recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and their inbred parents. Analysis of these RILs revealed that most clusters of sRNA expression retained the parental sRNA expression level. However, expression states that differ from the parental allele were also observed, predominantly reflecting decreases in sRNA expression. When RIL sRNA expression differed from the parental allele, the new state was frequently similar between the two RILs, and similar to the expression state found at the allele in the other parent. Novel sRNA expression patterns, distinct from those of either parent, were rare. Additionally, examination of sRNA expression over TEs revealed one TE family, Gyma, which showed consistent enrichment for RIL sRNA expression differences compared to those found in parental alleles. These findings provide insights into how sRNA silencing might evolve over generations and suggest that further investigation into the molecular nature of sRNA trans regulators is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A A Minow
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lewis Lukens
- Plant Agriculture Department, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Rossi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, I-24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Joseph Colasanti
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Long J, Liu J, Xia A, Springer NM, He Y. Maize decrease in DNA methylation 1 targets RNA-directed DNA methylation on active chromatin. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:2183-2196. [PMID: 33779761 PMCID: PMC8364229 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays vital roles in repressing transposable element activity and regulating gene expression. The chromatin-remodeling factor Decrease in DNA methylation 1 (DDM1) is crucial for maintaining DNA methylation across diverse plant species, and is required for RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) to maintain mCHH islands in maize (Zea mays). However, the mechanisms by which DDM1 is involved in RdDM are not well understood. In this work, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing to ascertain the genome-wide occupancy of ZmDDM1 in the maize genome. The results revealed that ZmDDM1 recognized an 8-bp-long GC-rich degenerate DNA sequence motif, which is enriched in transcription start sites and other euchromatic regions. Meanwhile, 24-nucleotide siRNAs and CHH methylation were delineated at the edge of ZmDDM1-occupied sites. ZmDDM1 co-purified with Argonaute 4 (ZmAGO4) proteins, providing further evidence that ZmDDM1 is a component of RdDM complexes in planta. Consistent with this, the vast majority of ZmDDM1-targeted regions co-localized with ZmAGO4-bound genomic sites. Overall, our results suggest a model that ZmDDM1 may be recruited to euchromatic regions via recognition of a GC-rich motif, thereby remodeling chromatin to provide access for RdDM activities in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Long
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Jinghan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Aiai Xia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Nathan M. Springer
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
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Li H, Li A, Shen W, Ye N, Wang G, Zhang J. Global Survey of Alternative Splicing in Rice by Direct RNA Sequencing During Reproductive Development: Landscape and Genetic Regulation. RICE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 14:75. [PMID: 34383135 PMCID: PMC8360254 DOI: 10.1186/s12284-021-00516-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a widespread phenomenon, which generates multiple isoforms of the gene product. Reproductive development is the key process for crop production. Although numerous forms of alternative splicing have been identified in model plants, large-scale study of alternative splicing dynamics during reproductive development in rice has not been conducted. Here, we investigated alternative splicing of reproductive development of young panicles (YP), unfertilized florets (UF) and fertilized florets (F) in rice using direct RNA sequencing, small RNA sequencing, and degradome sequencing. We identified a total of 35,317 alternative splicing (AS) events, among which 67.2% splicing events were identified as novel alternative splicing events. Intron retention (IR) was the most abundant alternative splicing subtype. Splicing factors that differentially expressed and alternatively spliced could result in global alternative splicing. Global analysis of miRNAs-targets prediction revealed that alternative spliced transcripts affected miRNAs' targets during development. Degradome sequencing detected only 6.8% of the differentially alternative splicing transcripts, suggesting a productive transcripts generation during development. In addition, alternative splicing isoforms of Co-like, a transcription factor, interacted with Casein kinase 1-like protein HD1 (CKI) examined in luciferase assay, which could modulate normal male-floral organs development and flowering time. These results reveal that alternative splicing is intensely associated with developmental stages, and a high complexity of gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxuan Li
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Aixuan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Shen
- School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Nenghui Ye
- Southern Regional Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain and Oil Crops in China, College of Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Guanqun Wang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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29
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Kakoulidou I, Avramidou EV, Baránek M, Brunel-Muguet S, Farrona S, Johannes F, Kaiserli E, Lieberman-Lazarovich M, Martinelli F, Mladenov V, Testillano PS, Vassileva V, Maury S. Epigenetics for Crop Improvement in Times of Global Change. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:766. [PMID: 34439998 PMCID: PMC8389687 DOI: 10.3390/biology10080766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics has emerged as an important research field for crop improvement under the on-going climatic changes. Heritable epigenetic changes can arise independently of DNA sequence alterations and have been associated with altered gene expression and transmitted phenotypic variation. By modulating plant development and physiological responses to environmental conditions, epigenetic diversity-naturally, genetically, chemically, or environmentally induced-can help optimise crop traits in an era challenged by global climate change. Beyond DNA sequence variation, the epigenetic modifications may contribute to breeding by providing useful markers and allowing the use of epigenome diversity to predict plant performance and increase final crop production. Given the difficulties in transferring the knowledge of the epigenetic mechanisms from model plants to crops, various strategies have emerged. Among those strategies are modelling frameworks dedicated to predicting epigenetically controlled-adaptive traits, the use of epigenetics for in vitro regeneration to accelerate crop breeding, and changes of specific epigenetic marks that modulate gene expression of traits of interest. The key challenge that agriculture faces in the 21st century is to increase crop production by speeding up the breeding of resilient crop species. Therefore, epigenetics provides fundamental molecular information with potential direct applications in crop enhancement, tolerance, and adaptation within the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kakoulidou
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 2, 85354 Freising, Germany; (I.K.); (F.J.)
| | - Evangelia V. Avramidou
- Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Dimitra (ELGO-DIMITRA), 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Miroslav Baránek
- Faculty of Horticulture, Mendeleum—Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno, Valtická 334, 69144 Lednice, Czech Republic;
| | - Sophie Brunel-Muguet
- UMR 950 Ecophysiologie Végétale, Agronomie et Nutritions N, C, S, UNICAEN, INRAE, Normandie Université, CEDEX, F-14032 Caen, France;
| | - Sara Farrona
- Plant and AgriBiosciences Centre, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Frank Johannes
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 2, 85354 Freising, Germany; (I.K.); (F.J.)
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenberg Str. 2a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Eirini Kaiserli
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Bower Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
| | - Michal Lieberman-Lazarovich
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel;
| | - Federico Martinelli
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Velimir Mladenov
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Sq. Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Pilar S. Testillano
- Pollen Biotechnology of Crop Plants Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas-(CIB-CSIC), Ramiro Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Valya Vassileva
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., Bldg. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Stéphane Maury
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures, INRAE, EA1207 USC1328, Université d’Orléans, F-45067 Orléans, France
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30
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Noshay JM, Liang Z, Zhou P, Crisp PA, Marand AP, Hirsch CN, Schmitz RJ, Springer NM. Stability of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility in structurally diverse maize genomes. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:6288454. [PMID: 34849810 PMCID: PMC8496265 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Accessible chromatin and unmethylated DNA are associated with many genes and cis-regulatory elements. Attempts to understand natural variation for accessible chromatin regions (ACRs) and unmethylated regions (UMRs) often rely upon alignments to a single reference genome. This limits the ability to assess regions that are absent in the reference genome assembly and monitor how nearby structural variants influence variation in chromatin state. In this study, de novo genome assemblies for four maize inbreds (B73, Mo17, Oh43, and W22) are utilized to assess chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation patterns in a pan-genome context. A more complete set of UMRs and ACRs can be identified when chromatin data are aligned to the matched genome rather than a single reference genome. While there are UMRs and ACRs present within genomic regions that are not shared between genotypes, these features are 6- to 12-fold enriched within regions between genomes. Characterization of UMRs present within shared genomic regions reveals that most UMRs maintain the unmethylated state in other genotypes with only ∼5% being polymorphic between genotypes. However, the majority (71%) of UMRs that are shared between genotypes only exhibit partial overlaps suggesting that the boundaries between methylated and unmethylated DNA are dynamic. This instability is not solely due to sequence variation as these partially overlapping UMRs are frequently found within genomic regions that lack sequence variation. The ability to compare chromatin properties among individuals with structural variation enables pan-epigenome analyses to study the sources of variation for accessible chromatin and unmethylated DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M Noshay
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Zhikai Liang
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Peter A Crisp
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Candice N Hirsch
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Robert J Schmitz
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Nathan M Springer
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
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31
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Sharma SP, Zuo T, Peterson T. Transposon-induced inversions activate gene expression in the maize pericarp. Genetics 2021; 218:iyab062. [PMID: 33905489 PMCID: PMC8225341 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal inversions can have considerable biological and agronomic impacts including disrupted gene function, change in gene expression, and inhibited recombination. Here, we describe the molecular structure and functional impact of six inversions caused by Alternative Transpositions between p1 and p2 genes responsible for floral pigmentation in maize. In maize line p1-wwB54, the p1 gene is null and the p2 gene is expressed in anther and silk but not in pericarp, making the kernels white. By screening for kernels with red pericarp, we identified inversions in this region caused by transposition of Ac and fractured Ac (fAc) transposable elements. We hypothesize that these inversions place the p2 gene promoter near a p1 gene enhancer, thereby activating p2 expression in kernel pericarp. To our knowledge, this is the first report of multiple recurrent inversions that change the position of a gene promoter relative to an enhancer to induce ectopic expression in a eukaryote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharu Paul Sharma
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Tao Zuo
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Thomas Peterson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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32
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Noshay JM, Springer NM. Stories that can't be told by SNPs; DNA methylation variation in plant populations. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 61:101989. [PMID: 33445144 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2020.101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic variation has been observed in many plant populations. This variation can influence qualitative and quantitative traits. A key question is whether there is novel information in the epigenome that is not captured by SNP-based genetic markers. The answer likely varies depending on the sources and stability of epigenetic variation as well as the type of population being studied. We consider the epigenetic variation in several plant systems and how this relates to potential for hidden information that could increase our understanding of phenotypic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M Noshay
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Nathan M Springer
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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33
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Liu W, Gallego-Bartolomé J, Zhou Y, Zhong Z, Wang M, Wongpalee SP, Gardiner J, Feng S, Kuo PH, Jacobsen SE. Ectopic targeting of CG DNA methylation in Arabidopsis with the bacterial SssI methyltransferase. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3130. [PMID: 34035251 PMCID: PMC8149686 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to target epigenetic marks like DNA methylation to specific loci is important in both basic research and in crop plant engineering. However, heritability of targeted DNA methylation, how it impacts gene expression, and which epigenetic features are required for proper establishment are mostly unknown. Here, we show that targeting the CG-specific methyltransferase M.SssI with an artificial zinc finger protein can establish heritable CG methylation and silencing of a targeted locus in Arabidopsis. In addition, we observe highly heritable widespread ectopic CG methylation mainly over euchromatic regions. This hypermethylation shows little effect on transcription while it triggers a mild but significant reduction in the accumulation of H2A.Z and H3K27me3. Moreover, ectopic methylation occurs preferentially at less open chromatin that lacks positive histone marks. These results outline general principles of the heritability and interaction of CG methylation with other epigenomic features that should help guide future efforts to engineer epigenomes. The ability to target DNA methylation to specific loci is important for both basic and applied research. Here, the authors fuse CG-specific methyltransferase SssI with an artificial zinc finger protein for DNA methylation targeting and show the chromatin features favorable for efficient gain of methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlu Liu
- Department of Orthopedic of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, China. .,Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Javier Gallego-Bartolomé
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), CSIC-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yuxing Zhou
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Zhenhui Zhong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Somsakul Pop Wongpalee
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jason Gardiner
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Suhua Feng
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peggy Hsuanyu Kuo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven E Jacobsen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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34
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Shirai K, Sato MP, Nishi R, Seki M, Suzuki Y, Hanada K. Positive selective sweeps of epigenetic mutations regulating specialized metabolites in plants. Genome Res 2021; 31:1060-1068. [PMID: 34006571 PMCID: PMC8168577 DOI: 10.1101/gr.271726.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important factor regulating gene expression in organisms. However, whether DNA methylation plays a key role in adaptive evolution is unknown. Here, we show evidence of naturally selected DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana. In comparison with single nucleotide polymorphisms, three types of methylation—methylated CGs (mCGs), mCHGs, and mCHHs—contributed highly to variable gene expression levels among an A. thaliana population. Such variably expressed genes largely affect a large variation of specialized metabolic quantities. Among the three types of methylations, only mCGs located in promoter regions of genes associated with specialized metabolites show a selective sweep signature in the A. thaliana population. Thus, naturally selected mCGs appear to be key mutations that cause the expressional diversity associated with specialized metabolites during plant evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Shirai
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko P Sato
- Kawatabi Field Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
| | - Ranko Nishi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8562, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8562, Japan
| | - Kousuke Hanada
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
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35
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Genome-wide analysis of long noncoding RNAs, 24-nt siRNAs, DNA methylation and H3K27me3 marks in Brassica rapa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0242530. [PMID: 33788851 PMCID: PMC8011741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA fragments that generally do not code for a protein but are involved in epigenetic gene regulation. In this study, lncRNAs of Brassica rapa were classified into long intergenic noncoding RNAs, natural antisense RNAs, and intronic noncoding RNAs and their expression analyzed in relation to genome-wide 24-nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), DNA methylation, and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation marks (H3K27me3). More than 65% of the lncRNAs analyzed consisted of one exon, and more than 55% overlapped with inverted repeat regions (IRRs). Overlap of lncRNAs with IRRs or genomic regions encoding for 24-nt siRNAs resulted in increased DNA methylation levels when both were present. LncRNA did not overlap greatly with H3K27me3 marks, but the expression level of intronic noncoding RNAs that did coincide with H3K27me3 marks was higher than without H3K27me3 marks. The Brassica genus comprises important vegetables and oil seed crops grown across the world. B. rapa is a diploid (AA genome) thought to be one of the ancestral species of both B. juncea (AABB genome) and B. napus (AACC) through genome merging (allotetrapolyploidization). Complex genome restructuring and epigenetic alterations are thought to be involved in these allotetrapolyploidization events. Comparison of lncRNAs between B. rapa and B. nigra, B. oleracea, B. juncea, and B. napus showed the highest conservation with B. oleracea. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the epigenome structure of B. rapa at multi-epigenetic levels (siRNAs, DNA methylation, H3K27me3, and lncRNAs) and identified a suite of candidate lncRNAs that may be epigenetically regulated in the Brassica genus.
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36
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Bente H, Foerster AM, Lettner N, Mittelsten Scheid O. Polyploidy-associated paramutation in Arabidopsis is determined by small RNAs, temperature, and allele structure. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009444. [PMID: 33690630 PMCID: PMC7978347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Paramutation is a form of non-Mendelian inheritance in which the expression of a paramutable allele changes when it encounters a paramutagenic allele. This change in expression of the paramutable alleles is stably inherited even after segregation of both alleles. While the discovery of paramutation and studies of its underlying mechanism were made with alleles that change plant pigmentation, paramutation-like phenomena are known to modulate the expression of other traits and in other eukaryotes, and many cases have probably gone undetected. It is likely that epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for the phenomenon, as paramutation forms epialleles, genes with identical sequences but different expression states. This could account for the intergenerational inheritance of the paramutated allele, providing profound evidence that triggered epigenetic changes can be maintained over generations. Here, we use a case of paramutation that affects a transgenic selection reporter gene in tetraploid Arabidopsis thaliana. Our data suggest that different types of small RNA are derived from paramutable and paramutagenic epialleles. In addition, deletion of a repeat within the epiallele changes its paramutability. Further, the temperature during the growth of the epiallelic hybrids determines the degree and timing of the allelic interaction. The data further make it plausible why paramutation in this system becomes evident only in the segregating F2 population of tetraploid plants containing both epialleles. In summary, the results support a model for polyploidy-associated paramutation, with similarities as well as distinctions from other cases of paramutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinrich Bente
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea M. Foerster
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Lettner
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ortrun Mittelsten Scheid
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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37
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Ferrari M, Torelli A, Marieschi M, Cozza R. Role of DNA methylation in the chromium tolerance of Scenedesmus acutus (Chlorophyceae) and its impact on the sulfate pathway regulation. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 301:110680. [PMID: 33218643 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a very important epigenetic modification that participates in many biological functions. Although many researches on DNA methylation have been reported in various plant species, few studies have assessed the global DNA methylation pattern in algae. Even more the complex mechanisms by which DNA methylation modulates stress in algae are yet largely unresolved, mainly with respect to heavy metal stress, for which in plants, metal- and species- specific responses were instead evidenced. In this work, we performed a comparative Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) on two strains of the green alga Scenedesmus acutus with different Cr(VI) sensitivity. The pattern of distribution of 5-mC showed significant differences between the two strains concerning both differentially methylated local contexts (CG, CHG and CHH) and Differentially Methylated Regions (DMRs) as well. We also demonstrated that DNA methylation plays an important role in modulating some genes for sulfate uptake/assimilation confirming the involvement of the sulfate pathway in the Cr-tolerance. Our results suggest that DNA methylation may be of particular importance in defining signal specificity associated with Cr-tolerance and in establishing new epigenetic marks which contribute to the adaptation to metal stress and also to transmit the epigenomic traits to the progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ferrari
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Ponte P. Bucci - 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Anna Torelli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 11/A - 43124, Parma, Italy.
| | - Matteo Marieschi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 11/A - 43124, Parma, Italy.
| | - Radiana Cozza
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Ponte P. Bucci - 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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38
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Wyler M, Stritt C, Walser JC, Baroux C, Roulin AC. Impact of Transposable Elements on Methylation and Gene Expression across Natural Accessions of Brachypodium distachyon. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:1994-2001. [PMID: 32853352 PMCID: PMC7643609 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) constitute a large fraction of plant genomes and are mostly present in a transcriptionally silent state through repressive epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation. TE silencing is believed to influence the regulation of adjacent genes, possibly as DNA methylation spreads away from the TE. Whether this is a general principle or a context-dependent phenomenon is still under debate, pressing for studying the relationship between TEs, DNA methylation, and nearby gene expression in additional plant species. Here, we used the grass Brachypodium distachyon as a model and produced DNA methylation and transcriptome profiles for 11 natural accessions. In contrast to what is observed in Arabidopsis thaliana, we found that TEs have a limited impact on methylation spreading and that only few TE families are associated with a low expression of their adjacent genes. Interestingly, we found that a subset of TE insertion polymorphisms is associated with differential gene expression across accessions. Thus, although not having a global impact on gene expression, distinct TE insertions may contribute to specific gene expression patterns in B. distachyon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Wyler
- Institute for Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Stritt
- Institute for Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Célia Baroux
- Institute for Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anne C Roulin
- Institute for Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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39
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Marcon C, Altrogge L, Win YN, Stöcker T, Gardiner JM, Portwood JL, Opitz N, Kortz A, Baldauf JA, Hunter CT, McCarty DR, Koch KE, Schoof H, Hochholdinger F. BonnMu: A Sequence-Indexed Resource of Transposon-Induced Maize Mutations for Functional Genomics Studies. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 184:620-631. [PMID: 32769162 PMCID: PMC7536688 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Sequence-indexed insertional libraries in maize (Zea mays) are fundamental resources for functional genetics studies. Here, we constructed a Mutator (Mu) insertional library in the B73 inbred background designated BonnMu A total of 1,152 Mu-tagged F2-families were sequenced using the Mu-seq approach. We detected 225,936 genomic Mu insertion sites and 41,086 high quality germinal Mu insertions covering 16,392 of the annotated maize genes (37% of the B73v4 genome). On average, each F2-family of the BonnMu libraries captured 37 germinal Mu insertions in genes of the Filtered Gene Set (FGS). All BonnMu insertions and phenotypic seedling photographs of Mu-tagged F2-families can be accessed via MaizeGDB.org Downstream examination of 137,410 somatic and germinal insertion sites revealed that 50% of the tagged genes have a single hotspot, targeted by Mu By comparing our BonnMu (B73) data to the UniformMu (W22) library, we identified conserved insertion hotspots between different genetic backgrounds. Finally, the vast majority of BonnMu and UniformMu transposons was inserted near the transcription start site of genes. Remarkably, 75% of all BonnMu insertions were in closer proximity to the transcription start site (distance: 542 bp) than to the start codon (distance: 704 bp), which corresponds to open chromatin, especially in the 5' region of genes. Our European sequence-indexed library of Mu insertions provides an important resource for functional genetics studies of maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Marcon
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Altrogge
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Bioinformatics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Yan Naing Win
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Tyll Stöcker
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Bioinformatics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jack M Gardiner
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - John L Portwood
- USDA-ARS Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Ames, Iowa 50011
| | - Nina Opitz
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Annika Kortz
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jutta A Baldauf
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Charles T Hunter
- Horticultural Sciences Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Donald R McCarty
- Horticultural Sciences Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Karen E Koch
- Horticultural Sciences Department, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Heiko Schoof
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Bioinformatics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Hochholdinger
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Crop Functional Genomics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
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40
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Zhang J, Zhang YZ, Jiang J, Duan CG. The Crosstalk Between Epigenetic Mechanisms and Alternative RNA Processing Regulation. Front Genet 2020; 11:998. [PMID: 32973889 PMCID: PMC7472560 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As a co-transcriptional process, RNA processing, including alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation, is crucial for the generation of multiple mRNA isoforms. RNA processing mechanisms are widespread across all higher eukaryotes and play critical roles in cell differentiation, organ development and disease response. Recently, significant progresses have been made in understanding the mechanism of RNA processing. RNA processing is regulated by trans-acting factors such as splicing factors, RNA-binding proteins and cis-sequences in pre-mRNA, and increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, which are important for the dynamic regulation and state of specific chromatic regions, are also involved in co-transcriptional RNA processing. In contrast, recent studies also suggest that alternative RNA processing also has a feedback regulation on epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we discuss recent studies and summarize the current knowledge on the epigenetic regulation of alternative RNA processing. In addition, a feedback regulation of RNA processing on epigenetic regulators is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Zhe Zhang
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Cheng-Guo Duan
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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41
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Niyikiza D, Piya S, Routray P, Miao L, Kim WS, Burch-Smith T, Gill T, Sams C, Arelli PR, Pantalone V, Krishnan HB, Hewezi T. Interactions of gene expression, alternative splicing, and DNA methylation in determining nodule identity. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:1744-1766. [PMID: 32491251 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Soybean nodulation is a highly controlled process that involves complex gene regulation at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In the present study, we profiled gene expression changes, alternative splicing events, and DNA methylation patterns during nodule formation, development, and senescence. The transcriptome data uncovered key transcription patterns of nodule development that included 9669 core genes and 7302 stage-specific genes. Alternative splicing analysis uncovered a total of 2323 genes that undergo alternative splicing events in at least one nodule developmental stage, with activation of exon skipping and repression of intron retention being the most common splicing events in nodules compared to roots. Approximately 40% of the differentially spliced genes were also differentially expressed at the same nodule developmental stage, implying a substantial association between gene expression and alternative splicing. Genome-wide-DNA methylation analysis revealed dynamic changes in nodule methylomes that were specific to each nodule stage, occurred in a sequence-specific manner, and impacted the expression of 1864 genes. An attractive hypothesis raised by our data is that increased DNA methylation may contribute to the efficiency of alternative splicing. Together, our results provide intriguing insights into the associations between gene expression, alternative splicing, and DNA methylation that may shape transcriptome complexity and proteome specificity in developing soybean nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Niyikiza
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Sarbottam Piya
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Pratyush Routray
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Long Miao
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Won-Seok Kim
- Plant Science Division, University of Missouri, Columbia, MI, 65211, USA
| | - Tessa Burch-Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-0840, USA
| | - Tom Gill
- Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Carl Sams
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | | | - Vince Pantalone
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Hari B Krishnan
- Plant Science Division, University of Missouri, Columbia, MI, 65211, USA
- Plant Genetics Research, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Columbia, MI, 65211, USA
| | - Tarek Hewezi
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
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N'Diaye A, Byrns B, Cory AT, Nilsen KT, Walkowiak S, Sharpe A, Robinson SJ, Pozniak CJ. Machine learning analyses of methylation profiles uncovers tissue-specific gene expression patterns in wheat. THE PLANT GENOME 2020; 13:e20027. [PMID: 33016606 DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a mechanism of epigenetic modification in eukaryotic organisms. Generally, methylation within genes promoter inhibits regulatory protein binding and represses transcription, whereas gene body methylation is associated with actively transcribed genes. However, it remains unclear whether there is interaction between methylation levels across genic regions and which site has the biggest impact on gene regulation. We investigated and used the methylation patterns of the bread wheat cultivar Chinese Spring to uncover differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between roots and leaves, using six machine learning algorithms and a deep neural network. As anticipated, genes with higher expression in leaves were mainly involved in photosynthesis and pigment biosynthesis processes whereas genes that were not differentially expressed between roots and leaves were involved in protein processes and membrane structures. Methylation occurred preponderantly (60%) in the CG context, whereas 35 and 5% of methylation occurred in CHG and CHH contexts, respectively. Methylation levels were highly correlated (r = 0.7 to 0.9) between all genic regions, except within the promoter (r = 0.4 to 0.5). Machine learning models gave a high (0.81) prediction accuracy of DEGs. There was a strong correlation (p-value = 9.20×10-10 ) between all features and gene expression, suggesting that methylation across all genic regions contribute to gene regulation. However, the methylation of the promoter, the CDS and the exon in CG context was the most impactful. Our study provides more insights into the interplay between DNA methylation and gene expression and paves the way for identifying tissue-specific genes using methylation profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amidou N'Diaye
- Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5A8
| | - Brook Byrns
- Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5A8
| | - Aron T Cory
- Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5A8
| | - Kirby T Nilsen
- Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5A8
| | - Sean Walkowiak
- Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5A8
| | - Andrew Sharpe
- Global Institute for Food Security, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 0W9
| | - Stephen J Robinson
- Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 0X2
| | - Curtis J Pozniak
- Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5A8
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Rambani A, Pantalone V, Yang S, Rice JH, Song Q, Mazarei M, Arelli PR, Meksem K, Stewart CN, Hewezi T. Identification of introduced and stably inherited DNA methylation variants in soybean associated with soybean cyst nematode parasitism. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:168-184. [PMID: 32112408 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a widespread epigenetic mark that contributes to transcriptome reprogramming during plant-pathogen interactions. However, the distinct role of DNA methylation in establishing resistant and susceptible responses remains largely unexplored. Here, we developed and used a pair of near-isogenic lines (NILs) to characterize DNA methylome landscapes of soybean roots during the susceptible and resistant interactions with soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines). We also compared the methylomes of the NILs and their parents to identify introduced and stably inherited methylation variants. The genomes of the NILs were substantially differentially methylated under uninfected conditions. This difference was associated with differential gene expression that may prime the NIL responses to SCN infection. In response to SCN infection, the susceptible line exhibited reduced global methylation levels in both protein-coding genes and transposable elements, whereas the resistant line showed the opposite response, increased global methylation levels. Heritable and novel nonparental differentially methylated regions overlapping with genes associated with soybean response to SCN infection were identified and validated using transgenic hairy root system. Our analyses indicate that DNA methylation patterns associated with the susceptible and resistant interactions are highly specific and that novel and stably inherited methylation variants are of biological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Rambani
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Vince Pantalone
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Songnan Yang
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - J Hollis Rice
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Qijian Song
- Soybean Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Mitra Mazarei
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | | | - Khalid Meksem
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Agricultural Systems, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - C Neal Stewart
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Tarek Hewezi
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
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Dong MY, Lei L, Fan XW, Li YZ. Dark response genes: a group of endogenous pendulum/timing players in maize? PLANTA 2020; 252:1. [PMID: 32504137 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-020-03403-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Maize has a set of dark response genes, expression of which is influenced by multiple factor and varies with maize inbred lines but without germplasm specificity. The response to photoperiod is a common biological issue across the species kingdoms. Dark is as important as light in photoperiod. However, further in-depth understanding of responses of maize (Zea mays) to light and dark transition under photoperiod is hindered due to the lack of understanding of dark response genes. With multiple public "-omic" datasets of temperate and tropical/subtropical maize, 16 maize dark response genes, ZmDRGs, were found and had rhythmic expression under dark and light-dark cycle. ZmDRGs 6-8 were tandemly duplicated. ZmDRGs 2, 13, and 14 had a chromosomal collinearity with other maize genes. ZmDRGs 1-11 and 13-16 had copy-number variations. ZmDRGs 2, 9, and 16 showed 5'-end sequence deletion mutations. Some ZmDRGs had chromatin interactions and underwent DNA methylation and/or m6A mRNA methylation. Chromosomal histones associated with 15 ZmDRGs were methylated and acetylated. ZmDRGs 1, 2, 4, 9, and 13 involved photoperiodic phenotypes. ZmDRG16 was within flowering-related QTLs. ZmDRGs 1, 3, and 6-11 were present in cis-acting expression QTLs (eQTLs). ZmDRGs 1, 4, 6-9, 11, 12, and 14-16 showed co-expression with other maize genes. Some of ZmDRG-encoded ZmDRGs showed obvious differences in abundance and phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Sixteen ZmDRGs 1-16 are associated with the dark response of maize. In the process of post-domestication and/or breeding, the ZmDRGs undergo the changes without germplasm specificity, including epigenetic modifications, gene copy numbers, chromatin interactions, and deletion mutations. In addition to effects by these factors, ZmDRG expression is influenced by promoter elements, cis-acting eQTLs, and co-expression networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-You Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Ling Lei
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Xian-Wei Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - You-Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 100 Daxue Road, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
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Wang D, Zhang J, Zuo T, Zhao M, Lisch D, Peterson T. Small RNA-Mediated De Novo Silencing of Ac/Ds Transposons Is Initiated by Alternative Transposition in Maize. Genetics 2020; 215:393-406. [PMID: 32317287 PMCID: PMC7268987 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although transposable elements (TEs) comprise a major fraction of many higher eukaryotic genomes, most TEs are silenced by host defense mechanisms. The means by which otherwise active TEs are recognized and silenced remains poorly understood. Here we analyzed two independent cases of spontaneous silencing of the active maize Ac/Ds transposon system. This silencing is initiated by alternative transposition, a type of aberrant transposition event that engages the termini of two nearby separate TEs. Alternative transposition during DNA replication can generate Composite Insertions that contain inverted duplications of the transposon sequences. We show that the inverted duplications of two Composite Insertions are transcribed to produce double-stranded RNAs that trigger the production of two distinct classes of small interfering RNAs: a 24-nt class complementary to the TE terminal inverted repeats and noncoding subterminal regions, and a 21- to 22-nt class corresponding to the TE transcribed regions. Plants containing these small interfering RNA-generating Composite Insertions exhibit decreased levels of Ac transcript and heritable repression of Ac/Ds transposition. Further, we demonstrate that Composite Insertions can heritably silence otherwise active elements in trans This study documents the first case of transposon silencing induced by alternative transposition and may represent a general initiating mechanism for silencing of DNA transposons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafang Wang
- Division of Math and Sciences, Delta State University, Cleveland, Mississippi 38733-0001
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3260
| | - Tao Zuo
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3260
| | - Meixia Zhao
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056
| | - Damon Lisch
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
| | - Thomas Peterson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3260
- Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3260
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Gao S, Ma W, Lyu X, Cao X, Yao Y. Melatonin may increase disease resistance and flavonoid biosynthesis through effects on DNA methylation and gene expression in grape berries. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 20:231. [PMID: 32448301 PMCID: PMC7247213 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02445-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin can regulate plant growth, development and biotic responses by causing global changes in gene expression; however, the melatonin-induced changes in gene expression via the modification of DNA methylation remain unclear in plants. RESULTS A total of 1,169,852 and 1,008,894 methylated cytosines (mCs) were identified in the control and melatonin-treated grape berries, respectively, and mCs occurred primarily at CG sites, followed by CHG sites and CHH sites. Compared to the control, melatonin treatment broadly decreased methylation levels at CHG and particularly CHH sites in various gene regions. Melatonin treatment generated a total of 25,125 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), which included 6517 DMR-associated genes. RNA-Seq demonstrated that 2479 genes were upregulated, and 1072 genes were repressed by melatonin treatment. The evaluation of the interconnection of the DNA methylome and transcriptome identified 144 genes showing a negative correlation between promoter methylation and gene expression, which were primarily related to biotic stress responses and flavonoid biosynthesis. Additionally, the application of 5́-azacytidine and melatonin led to similar effects on mycelial growth of B. cinerea, berry decay rate and flavonoid biosynthesis. Moreover, EDS1 was used to show that melatonin increased gene expression by decreasing promoter methylation levels. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that melatonin broadly decreased DNA methylation and altered gene expression in grape berries. We propose that melatonin increases disease resistance and flavonoid biosynthesis by decreasing the methylation levels of the promoters of the genes involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Wanyun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Xinning Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaolei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, 271018, Shandong, China.
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Abstract
Plants are subjected to extreme environmental conditions and must adapt rapidly. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) accumulates during abiotic stress, signaling transcriptional changes that trigger physiological responses. Epigenetic modifications often facilitate transcription, particularly at genes exhibiting temporal, tissue-specific and environmentally-induced expression. In maize (Zea mays), MEDIATOR OF PARAMUTATION 1 (MOP1) is required for progression of an RNA-dependent epigenetic pathway that regulates transcriptional silencing of loci genomewide. MOP1 function has been previously correlated with genomic regions adjoining particular types of transposable elements and genic regions, suggesting that this regulatory pathway functions to maintain distinct transcriptional activities within genomic spaces, and that loss of MOP1 may modify the responsiveness of some loci to other regulatory pathways. As critical regulators of gene expression, MOP1 and ABA pathways each regulate specific genes. To determine whether loss of MOP1 impacts ABA-responsive gene expression in maize, mop1-1 and Mop1 homozygous seedlings were subjected to exogenous ABA and RNA-sequencing. A total of 3,242 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in four pairwise comparisons. Overall, ABA-induced changes in gene expression were enhanced in mop1-1 homozygous plants. The highest number of DEGs were identified in ABA-induced mop1-1 mutants, including many transcription factors; this suggests combinatorial regulatory scenarios including direct and indirect transcriptional responses to genetic disruption (mop1-1) and/or stimulus-induction of a hierarchical, cascading network of responsive genes. Additionally, a modest increase in CHH methylation at putative MOP1-RdDM loci in response to ABA was observed in some genotypes, suggesting that epigenetic variation might influence environmentally-induced transcriptional responses in maize.
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48
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Yu J, Xu F, Wei Z, Zhang X, Chen T, Pu L. Epigenomic landscape and epigenetic regulation in maize. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2020; 133:1467-1489. [PMID: 31965233 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-020-03549-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation has been implicated in the control of multiple agronomic traits in maize. Here, we review current advances in our understanding of epigenetic regulation, which has great potential for improving agronomic traits and the environmental adaptability of crops. Epigenetic regulation plays vital role in the control of complex agronomic traits. Epigenetic variation could contribute to phenotypic diversity and can be used to improve the quality and productivity of crops. Maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most widely cultivated crops for human food, animal feed, and ethanol biofuel, is a model plant for genetic studies. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology have made possible the study of epigenetic regulation in maize on a genome-wide scale. In this review, we discuss recent epigenetic studies in maize many achieved by Chinese research groups. These studies have explored the roles of DNA methylation, posttranslational modifications of histones, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNAs in the regulation of gene expression in plant development and environment response. We also provide our future prospects for manipulating epigenetic regulation to improve crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Xu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Pu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Di Marsico M, Cerruti E, Comino C, Porceddu A, Acquadro A, Capomaccio S, Marconi G, Albertini E. MCSeEd (Methylation Context Sensitive Enzyme ddRAD): A New Method to Analyze DNA Methylation. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2093:47-64. [PMID: 32088888 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0179-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Methylation context sensitive enzyme ddRAD (MCSeEd) is a NGS-based method for genome-wide investigations of DNA methylation at different contexts requiring only low to moderate sequencing depth. It is particularly useful for identifying methylation changes in experimental systems challenged by biotic or abiotic stresses or at different developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Di Marsico
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Cerruti
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Plant Genetics and Breeding, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Cinzia Comino
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Plant Genetics and Breeding, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Andrea Porceddu
- Department of Agriculture, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alberto Acquadro
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Plant Genetics and Breeding, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Stefano Capomaccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Marconi
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Emidio Albertini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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50
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DNA Methylation and Histone H1 Jointly Repress Transposable Elements and Aberrant Intragenic Transcripts. Mol Cell 2020; 77:310-323.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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