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Song B, Yu J, Li X, Li J, Fan J, Liu H, Wei W, Zhang L, Gu K, Liu D, Zhao K, Wu J. Increased DNA methylation contributes to the early ripening of pear fruits during domestication and improvement. Genome Biol 2024; 25:87. [PMID: 38581061 PMCID: PMC10996114 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03220-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification. However, its contribution to trait changes and diversity in the domestication of perennial fruit trees remains unknown. RESULTS Here, we investigate the variation in DNA methylation during pear domestication and improvement using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in 41 pear accessions. Contrary to the significant decrease during rice domestication, we detect a global increase in DNA methylation during pear domestication and improvement. We find this specific increase in pear is significantly correlated with the downregulation of Demeter-like1 (DML1, encoding DNA demethylase) due to human selection. We identify a total of 5591 differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Methylation in the CG and CHG contexts undergoes co-evolution during pear domestication and improvement. DMRs have higher genetic diversity than selection sweep regions, especially in the introns. Approximately 97% of DMRs are not associated with any SNPs, and these DMRs are associated with starch and sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. We also perform correlation analysis between DNA methylation and gene expression. We find genes close to the hypermethylated DMRs that are significantly associated with fruit ripening. We further verify the function of a hyper-DMR-associated gene, CAMTA2, and demonstrate that overexpression of CAMTA2 in tomato and pear callus inhibits fruit ripening. CONCLUSIONS Our study describes a specific pattern of DNA methylation in the domestication and improvement of a perennial pear tree and suggests that increased DNA methylation plays an essential role in the early ripening of pear fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobo Song
- College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinshan Yu
- College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaming Li
- College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Fan
- Institute of Fruit and Tea, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hainan Liu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, China
| | - Weilin Wei
- College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingchao Zhang
- College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kaidi Gu
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Dongliang Liu
- College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kejiao Zhao
- College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Wu
- College of Horticulture, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China.
- Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China.
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Xie H, Zheng Y, Xue M, Huang Y, Qian D, Zhao M, Li J. DNA methylation-mediated ROS production contributes to seed abortion in litchi. Mol Hortic 2024; 4:12. [PMID: 38561782 PMCID: PMC10986121 DOI: 10.1186/s43897-024-00089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Although there is increasing evidence suggesting that DNA methylation regulates seed development, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to shed light on this by conducting whole-genome bisulfite sequencing using seeds from the large-seeded cultivar 'HZ' and the abortive-seeded cultivar 'NMC'. Our analysis revealed that the 'HZ' seeds exhibited a hypermethylation level compared to the 'NMC' seeds. Furthermore, we found that the genes associated with differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolic pathway. To investigate this further, we conducted nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and 2,7-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) staining, which demonstrated a significantly higher amount of ROS in the 'NMC' seeds compared to the 'HZ' seeds. Moreover, we identified that the gene LcGPX6, involved in ROS scavenging, exhibited hypermethylation levels and parallelly lower expression levels in 'NMC' seeds compared to 'HZ' seeds. Interestingly, the ectopic expression of LcGPX6 in Arabidopsis enhanced ROS scavenging and resulted in lower seed production. Together, we suggest that DNA methylation-mediated ROS production plays a significant role in seed development in litchi, during which hypermethylation levels of LcGPX6 might repress its expression, resulting in the accumulation of excessive ROS and ultimately leading to seed abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhan Xie
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yedan Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Mengyue Xue
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yulian Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Dawei Qian
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Jianguo Li
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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3
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Candela-Ferre J, Diego-Martin B, Pérez-Alemany J, Gallego-Bartolomé J. Mind the gap: Epigenetic regulation of chromatin accessibility in plants. Plant Physiol 2024; 194:1998-2016. [PMID: 38236303 PMCID: PMC10980423 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin plays a crucial role in genome compaction and is fundamental for regulating multiple nuclear processes. Nucleosomes, the basic building blocks of chromatin, are central in regulating these processes, determining chromatin accessibility by limiting access to DNA for various proteins and acting as important signaling hubs. The association of histones with DNA in nucleosomes and the folding of chromatin into higher-order structures are strongly influenced by a variety of epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, histone variants, and histone post-translational modifications. Additionally, a wide array of chaperones and ATP-dependent remodelers regulate various aspects of nucleosome biology, including assembly, deposition, and positioning. This review provides an overview of recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of how nucleosomes and chromatin organization are regulated by epigenetic marks and remodelers in plants. Furthermore, we present current technologies for profiling chromatin accessibility and organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Candela-Ferre
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022Spain
| | - Borja Diego-Martin
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022Spain
| | - Jaime Pérez-Alemany
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022Spain
| | - Javier Gallego-Bartolomé
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022Spain
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Wu X, Chen S, Lin F, Muhammad F, Xu H, Wu L. Comparative and functional analysis unveils the contribution of photoperiod to DNA methylation, sRNA accumulation, and gene expression variations in short-day and long-day grasses. Plant J 2024. [PMID: 38491864 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Photoperiod employs complicated networks to regulate various developmental processes in plants, including flowering transition. However, the specific mechanisms by which photoperiod affects epigenetic modifications and gene expression variations in plants remain elusive. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation, small RNA (sRNA) accumulation, and gene expressions under different daylengths in facultative long-day (LD) grass Brachypodium distachyon and short-day (SD) grass rice. Our results showed that while overall DNA methylation levels were minimally affected by different photoperiods, CHH methylation levels were repressed under their favorable light conditions, particularly in rice. We identified numerous differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that were influenced by photoperiod in both plant species. Apart from differential sRNA clusters, we observed alterations in the expression of key components of the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway, DNA methyltransferases, and demethylases, which may contribute to the identified photoperiod-influenced CHH DMRs. Furthermore, we identified many differentially expressed genes in response to different daylengths, some of which were associated with the DMRs. Notably, we discovered a photoperiod-responsive gene MYB11 in the transcriptome of B. distachyon, and further demonstrated its role as a flowering inhibitor by repressing FT1 transcription. Together, our comparative and functional analysis sheds light on the effects of daylength on DNA methylation, sRNA accumulation, and gene expression variations in LD and SD plants, thereby facilitating better designing breeding programs aimed at developing high-yield crops that can adapt to local growing seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Siyi Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, China
| | - Fahad Muhammad
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Haiming Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, China
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Miloro F, Kis A, Havelda Z, Dalmadi Á. Barley AGO4 proteins show overlapping functionality with distinct small RNA-binding properties in heterologous complementation. Plant Cell Rep 2024; 43:96. [PMID: 38480545 PMCID: PMC10937801 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Barley AGO4 proteins complement expressional changes of epigenetically regulated genes in Arabidopsis ago4-3 mutant and show a distinct affinity for the 5' terminal nucleotide of small RNAs, demonstrating functional conservation and divergence. The function of Argonaute 4 (AGO4) in Arabidopsis thaliana has been extensively characterized; however, its role in monocots, which have large genomes abundantly supplemented with transposable elements (TEs), remains elusive. The study of barley AGO4 proteins can provide insights into the conserved aspects of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and could also have further applications in the field of epigenetics or crop improvement. Bioinformatic analysis of RNA sequencing data identified two active AGO4 genes in barley, HvAGO4a and HvAGO4b. These genes function similar to AtAGO4 in an Arabidopsis heterologous complementation system, primarily binding to 24-nucleotide long small RNAs (sRNAs) and triggering methylation at specific target loci. Like AtAGO4, HvAGO4B exhibits a preference for binding sRNAs with 5' adenine residue, while also accepting 5' guanine, uracil, and cytosine residues. In contrast, HvAGO4A selectively binds only sRNAs with a 5' adenine residue. The diverse binding capacity of barley AGO4 proteins is reflected in TE-derived sRNAs and in their varying abundance. Both barley AGO4 proteins effectively restore the levels of extrachromosomal DNA and transcript abundancy of the heat-activated ONSEN retrotransposon to those observed in wild-type Arabidopsis plants. Our study provides insight into the distinct binding specificities and involvement in TE regulation of barley AGO4 proteins in Arabidopsis by heterologous complementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Miloro
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Gödöllő, Hungary
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Section, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - András Kis
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Havelda
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Gödöllő, Hungary
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Section, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Dalmadi
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Gödöllő, Hungary.
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Section, Gödöllő, Hungary.
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Yadav S, Meena S, Kalwan G, Jain PK. DNA methylation: an emerging paradigm of gene regulation under drought stress in plants. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:311. [PMID: 38372841 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09243-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Drought is an enormous threat to global crop production. In order to ensure food security for the burgeoning population, we must develop drought tolerant crop varieties. This necessitates the identification of drought-responsive genes and understanding the mechanisms involved in their regulation. DNA methylation is a widely studied mechanism of epigenetic regulation of gene expression, which is known to play vital role in conferring tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stress factors. The recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, has allowed unprecedented access to genome-wide methylation marks, with single base resolution. The most important roles of DNA methylation have been studied in terms of gene body methylation (gbM), which is associated with regulation of both transcript abundance and its stability. The availability of mutants for the various genes encoding enzymes involved in methylation of DNA has allowed ascertainment of the biological significance of methylation. Even though a vast number of reports have emerged in the recent past, where both genome-wide methylation landscape and locus specific changes in DNA methylation have been studied, a conclusive picture with regards to the biological role of DNA methylation is still lacking. Compounding this, is the lack of sufficient evidence supporting the heritability of these epigenetic changes. Amongst the various epigenetic variations, the DNA methylation changes are observed to be the most stable. This review describes the drought-induced changes in DNA methylation identified across different plant species. We also briefly describe the stress memory contributed by these changes. The identification of heritable, drought-induced methylation marks would broaden the scope of crop improvement in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheel Yadav
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110012, India
- PG School, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
- Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Shashi Meena
- PG School, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
- Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Gopal Kalwan
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110012, India
- PG School, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - P K Jain
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110012, India.
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Venios X, Gkizi D, Nisiotou A, Korkas E, Tjamos SE, Zamioudis C, Banilas G. Emerging Roles of Epigenetics in Grapevine and Winegrowing. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:515. [PMID: 38498480 PMCID: PMC10893341 DOI: 10.3390/plants13040515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to dynamic chemical modifications to the genome that can perpetuate gene activity without changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in growth and development. They may also drive plant adaptation to adverse environmental conditions by buffering environmental variation. Grapevine is an important perennial fruit crop cultivated worldwide, but mostly in temperate zones with hot and dry summers. The decrease in rainfall and the rise in temperature due to climate change, along with the expansion of pests and diseases, constitute serious threats to the sustainability of winegrowing. Ongoing research shows that epigenetic modifications are key regulators of important grapevine developmental processes, including berry growth and ripening. Variations in epigenetic modifications driven by genotype-environment interplay may also lead to novel phenotypes in response to environmental cues, a phenomenon called phenotypic plasticity. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the emerging field of grapevine epigenetics. We primarily highlight the impact of epigenetics to grapevine stress responses and acquisition of stress tolerance. We further discuss how epigenetics may affect winegrowing and also shape the quality of wine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenophon Venios
- Department of Wine, Vine and Beverage Sciences, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos 28, 12243 Athens, Greece; (X.V.); (D.G.); (E.K.)
| | - Danai Gkizi
- Department of Wine, Vine and Beverage Sciences, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos 28, 12243 Athens, Greece; (X.V.); (D.G.); (E.K.)
| | - Aspasia Nisiotou
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization “Demeter”, Sofokli Venizelou 1, 14123 Lykovryssi, Greece;
| | - Elias Korkas
- Department of Wine, Vine and Beverage Sciences, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos 28, 12243 Athens, Greece; (X.V.); (D.G.); (E.K.)
| | - Sotirios E. Tjamos
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Str., 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Christos Zamioudis
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Pantazidou 193, 68200 Orestiada, Greece;
| | - Georgios Banilas
- Department of Wine, Vine and Beverage Sciences, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos 28, 12243 Athens, Greece; (X.V.); (D.G.); (E.K.)
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Niu X, Ge Z, Ito H. Regulatory mechanism of heat-active retrotransposons by the SET domain protein SUVH2. Front Plant Sci 2024; 15:1355626. [PMID: 38390294 PMCID: PMC10883384 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1355626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
New transposon insertions are deleterious to genome stability. The RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway evolved to regulate transposon activity via DNA methylation. However, current studies have not yet clearly described the transposition regulation. ONSEN is a heat-activated retrotransposon that is activated at 37°C. The plant-specific SUPPRESSOR OF VARIEGATION 3-9 HOMOLOG (SUVH) family proteins function downstream of the RdDM pathway. The SUVH protein families are linked to TE silencing by two pathways, one through DNA methylation and the other through chromatin remodeling. In this study, we analyzed the regulation of ONSEN activity by SUVH2. We observed that ONSEN transcripts were increased; however, there was no transpositional activity in Arabidopsis suvh2 mutant. The suvh2 mutant produced siRNAs from the ONSEN locus under heat stress, suggesting that siRNAs are involved in suppressing transposition. These results provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of retrotransposons that involve siRNA in the RdDM pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Niu
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Zhiyu Ge
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Ito
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Xie H, Yin W, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Qin H, Huang Z, Zhao M, Li J. Increased DNA methylation of the splicing regulator SR45 suppresses seed abortion in litchi. J Exp Bot 2024; 75:868-882. [PMID: 37891009 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The gene regulatory networks that govern seed development are complex, yet very little is known about the genes and processes that are controlled by DNA methylation. Here, we performed single-base resolution DNA methylome analysis and found that CHH methylation increased significantly throughout seed development in litchi. Based on the association analysis of differentially methylated regions and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 46 genes were identified as essential DNA methylation-regulated candidate genes involved in litchi seed development, including LcSR45, a homolog of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) splicing regulator SR45. LcSR45 is predominately expressed in the funicle, embryo, and seed integument, and displayed increased CHH methylation in the promoter during seed development. Notably, silencing of LcSR45 in a seed-aborted litchi cultivar significantly improved normal seed development, whereas the ectopic expression of LcSR45 in Arabidopsis caused seed abortion. Furthermore, LcSR45-dependent alternative splicing events were found to regulate genes involved in seed development. Together, our findings demonstrate that LcSR45 is hypermethylated, and plays a detrimental role in litchi seed development, indicating a global increase in DNA methylation at this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhan Xie
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wenya Yin
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yedan Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yanshan Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Hongming Qin
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhiqiang Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jianguo Li
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
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10
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Singh VK, Ahmed S, Saini DK, Gahlaut V, Chauhan S, Khandare K, Kumar A, Sharma PK, Kumar J. Manipulating epigenetic diversity in crop plants: Techniques, challenges and opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130544. [PMID: 38104668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications act as conductors of inheritable alterations in gene expression, all while keeping the DNA sequence intact, thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping plant growth and development. This review article presents an overview of techniques employed to investigate and manipulate epigenetic diversity in crop plants, focusing on both naturally occurring and artificially induced epialleles. The significance of epigenetic modifications in facilitating adaptive responses is explored through the examination of how various biotic and abiotic stresses impact them. Further, environmental chemicals are explored for their role in inducing epigenetic changes, particularly focusing on inhibitors of DNA methylation like 5-AzaC and zebularine, as well as inhibitors of histone deacetylation including trichostatin A and sodium butyrate. The review delves into various approaches for generating epialleles, including tissue culture techniques, mutagenesis, and grafting, elucidating their potential to induce heritable epigenetic modifications in plants. In addition, the ground breaking CRISPR/Cas is emphasized for its accuracy in targeting specific epigenetic changes. This presents a potent tools for deciphering the intricacies of epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, the intricate relationship between epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNA expression, including siRNAs and miRNAs, is investigated. The emerging role of exo-RNAi in epigenetic regulation is also introduced, unveiling its promising potential for future applications. The article concludes by addressing the opportunities and challenges presented by these techniques, emphasizing their implications for crop improvement. Conclusively, this extensive review provides valuable insights into the intricate realm of epigenetic changes, illuminating their significance in phenotypic plasticity and their potential in advancing crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shoeb Ahmed
- Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut 250004, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Saini
- Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Vijay Gahlaut
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | | | - Kiran Khandare
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali 140308, Punjab, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali 140308, Punjab, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Sharma
- Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut 250004, India; Maharaja Suhel Dev State University, Azamgarh 276404, U.P., India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector-81, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India.
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11
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Vaucheret H, Voinnet O. The plant siRNA landscape. Plant Cell 2024; 36:246-275. [PMID: 37772967 PMCID: PMC10827316 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Whereas micro (mi)RNAs are considered the clean, noble side of the small RNA world, small interfering (si)RNAs are often seen as a noisy set of molecules whose barbarian acronyms reflect a large diversity of often elusive origins and functions. Twenty-five years after their discovery in plants, however, new classes of siRNAs are still being identified, sometimes in discrete tissues or at particular developmental stages, making the plant siRNA world substantially more complex and subtle than originally anticipated. Focusing primarily on the model Arabidopsis, we review here the plant siRNA landscape, including transposable elements (TE)-derived siRNAs, a vast array of non-TE-derived endogenous siRNAs, as well as exogenous siRNAs produced in response to invading nucleic acids such as viruses or transgenes. We primarily emphasize the extraordinary sophistication and diversity of their biogenesis and, secondarily, the variety of their known or presumed functions, including via non-cell autonomous activities, in the sporophyte, gametophyte, and shortly after fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Vaucheret
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000 Versailles, France
| | - Olivier Voinnet
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zurich), 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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12
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Orłowska R, Zimny J, Zebrowski J, Androsiuk P, Bednarek PT. An insight into tissue culture-induced variation origin shared between anther culture-derived triticale regenerants. BMC Plant Biol 2024; 24:43. [PMID: 38200422 PMCID: PMC10782687 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04679-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of the plant in vitro techniques has brought about the variation identified in regenerants known as somaclonal or tissue culture-induced variation (TCIV). S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), glutathione (GSH), low methylated pectins (LMP), and Cu(II) ions may be implicated in green plant regeneration efficiency (GPRE) and TCIV, according to studies in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and partially in triticale (× Triticosecale spp. Wittmack ex A. Camus 1927). Using structural equation models (SEM), these metabolites have been connected to the metabolic pathways (Krebs and Yang cycles, glycolysis, transsulfuration), but not for triticale. Using metabolomic and (epi)genetic data, the study sought to develop a triticale regeneration efficiency statistical model. The culture's induction medium was supplemented with various quantities of Cu(II) and Ag(I) ions for regeneration. The period of plant regeneration has also changed. The donor plant, anther-derived regenerants, and metAFLP were utilized to analyze TCIV concerning DNA in symmetric (CG, CHG) and asymmetric (CHH) sequence contexts. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transfer Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to gather the metabolomic information on LMP, SAM, and GSH. To frame the data, a structural equation model was employed. RESULTS According to metAFLP analysis, the average sequence change in the CHH context was 8.65%, and 0.58% was de novo methylation. Absorbances of FTIR spectra in regions specific for LMP, SAM, and GSH were used as variables values introduced to the SEM model. The average number of green regenerants per 100 plated anthers was 2.55. CONCLUSIONS The amounts of pectin demethylation, SAM, de novo methylation, and GSH are connected in the model to explain GPRE. By altering the concentration of Cu(II) ions in the medium, which influences the amount of pectin, triticale's GPRE can be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Orłowska
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Radzików, Błonie, 05-870, Poland
| | - Janusz Zimny
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Radzików, Błonie, 05-870, Poland
| | - Jacek Zebrowski
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Natural Science, University of Rzeszow, Al. Rejtana 16c, Rzeszow, 35-959, Poland
| | - Piotr Androsiuk
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, 10-719, Poland
| | - Piotr T Bednarek
- Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, National Research Institute, Radzików, Błonie, 05-870, Poland.
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Abdulraheem MI, Xiong Y, Moshood AY, Cadenas-Pliego G, Zhang H, Hu J. Mechanisms of Plant Epigenetic Regulation in Response to Plant Stress: Recent Discoveries and Implications. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:163. [PMID: 38256717 PMCID: PMC10820249 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Plant stress is a significant challenge that affects the development, growth, and productivity of plants and causes an adverse environmental condition that disrupts normal physiological processes and hampers plant survival. Epigenetic regulation is a crucial mechanism for plants to respond and adapt to stress. Several studies have investigated the role of DNA methylation (DM), non-coding RNAs, and histone modifications in plant stress responses. However, there are various limitations or challenges in translating the research findings into practical applications. Hence, this review delves into the recent recovery, implications, and applications of epigenetic regulation in response to plant stress. To better understand plant epigenetic regulation under stress, we reviewed recent studies published in the last 5-10 years that made significant contributions, and we analyzed the novel techniques and technologies that have advanced the field, such as next-generation sequencing and genome-wide profiling of epigenetic modifications. We emphasized the breakthrough findings that have uncovered specific genes or pathways and the potential implications of understanding plant epigenetic regulation in response to stress for agriculture, crop improvement, and environmental sustainability. Finally, we concluded that plant epigenetic regulation in response to stress holds immense significance in agriculture, and understanding its mechanisms in stress tolerance can revolutionize crop breeding and genetic engineering strategies, leading to the evolution of stress-tolerant crops and ensuring sustainable food production in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges. Future research in this field will continue to unveil the intricacies of epigenetic regulation and its potential applications in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukhtar Iderawumi Abdulraheem
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China or (M.I.A.); (Y.X.); (A.Y.M.); (H.Z.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Science, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yani Xiong
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China or (M.I.A.); (Y.X.); (A.Y.M.); (H.Z.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Science, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Abiodun Yusuff Moshood
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China or (M.I.A.); (Y.X.); (A.Y.M.); (H.Z.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Science, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego
- Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Blvd. Enrique Reyna 140, Saltillo 25294, Mexico;
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China or (M.I.A.); (Y.X.); (A.Y.M.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jiandong Hu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China or (M.I.A.); (Y.X.); (A.Y.M.); (H.Z.)
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Science, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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14
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Khan RA, Abbas N. Role of epigenetic and post-translational modifications in anthocyanin biosynthesis: A review. Gene 2023; 887:147694. [PMID: 37574116 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Anthocyanins are a class of flavonoids having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They defend plants against various biotic and abiotic stresses and are synthesized by a specific branch of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Different regulatory mechanisms have been found to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants. These include the MYB-bHLH-WDR (MBW) MBW trimeric complex consisting of bHLH, R2R3 MYB, and WD40 transcription factors. Epigenetic and Post-translational modification (PTMs) of MBW complex and various other transcription factors play important role in both plant developmental processes and modulating plant response to different environmental conditions. Recent studies have broadened our understanding of the role of various epigenetic (methylation and histone modification) and PTMs (phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitylation, sumoylation, etc.) mechanisms in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants. In this review, we are updating various epigenetic and PTMs modifications of various transcription factors which regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in various plants. In addition to this, we have also briefly discussed in which direction future research on epigenetic and PTMs can be taken so that we can engineer medicinal plants for enhanced secondary metabolite biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameez Ahmad Khan
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, J&K 190005, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu Tawi 180001, India.
| | - Nazia Abbas
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, J&K 190005, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu Tawi 180001, India.
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15
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Ramakrishnan M, Zhou M, Ceasar SA, Ali DJ, Maharajan T, Vinod KK, Sharma A, Ahmad Z, Wei Q. Epigenetic modifications and miRNAs determine the transition of somatic cells into somatic embryos. Plant Cell Rep 2023; 42:1845-1873. [PMID: 37792027 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03071-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE This review discusses the epigenetic changes during somatic embryo (SE) development, highlights the genes and miRNAs involved in the transition of somatic cells into SEs as a result of epigenetic changes, and draws insights on biotechnological opportunities to study SE development. Somatic embryogenesis from somatic cells occurs in a series of steps. The transition of somatic cells into somatic embryos (SEs) is the most critical step under genetic and epigenetic regulations. Major regulatory genes such as SERK, WUS, BBM, FUS3/FUSA3, AGL15, and PKL, control SE steps and development by turning on and off other regulatory genes. Gene transcription profiles of somatic cells during SE development is the result of epigenetic changes, such as DNA and histone protein modifications, that control and decide the fate of SE formation. Depending on the type of somatic cells and the treatment with plant growth regulators, epigenetic changes take place dynamically. Either hypermethylation or hypomethylation of SE-related genes promotes the transition of somatic cells. For example, the reduced levels of DNA methylation of SERK and WUS promotes SE initiation. Histone modifications also promote SE induction by regulating SE-related genes in somatic cells. In addition, miRNAs contribute to the various stages of SE by regulating the expression of auxin signaling pathway genes (TIR1, AFB2, ARF6, and ARF8), transcription factors (CUC1 and CUC2), and growth-regulating factors (GRFs) involved in SE formation. These epigenetic and miRNA functions are unique and have the potential to regenerate bipolar structures from somatic cells when a pluripotent state is induced. However, an integrated overview of the key regulators involved in SE development and downstream processes is lacking. Therefore, this review discusses epigenetic modifications involved in SE development, SE-related genes and miRNAs associated with epigenetics, and common cis-regulatory elements in the promoters of SE-related genes. Finally, we highlight future biotechnological opportunities to alter epigenetic pathways using the genome editing tool and to study the transition mechanism of somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthusamy Ramakrishnan
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Bamboo Research Institute, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration On Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingbing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Bamboo Industry Institute, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High-Efficiency Utilization, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Stanislaus Antony Ceasar
- Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kalamassery, Kochi, 683104, Kerala, India
| | - Doulathunnisa Jaffar Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu, China
| | - Theivanayagam Maharajan
- Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kalamassery, Kochi, 683104, Kerala, India
| | | | - Anket Sharma
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Bamboo Industry Institute, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zishan Ahmad
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Bamboo Research Institute, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration On Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Bamboo Research Institute, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration On Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Yin J, Ren W, Fry EL, Sun S, Han H, Guo F. DNA methylation mediates overgrazing-induced clonal transgenerational plasticity. Sci Total Environ 2023; 897:165338. [PMID: 37414175 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Overgrazing generally induces dwarfism in grassland plants, and these phenotypic traits could be transmitted to clonal offspring even when overgrazing is excluded. However, the dwarfism-transmitted mechanism remains largely unknown, despite generally thought to be enabled by epigenetic modification. To clarify the potential role of DNA methylation on clonal transgenerational effects, we conducted a greenhouse experiment with Leymus chinensis clonal offspring from different cattle/sheep overgrazing histories via the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine. The results showed that clonal offspring from overgrazed (by cattle or sheep) parents were dwarfed and the auxin content of leaves significantly decreased compared to offspring from no-grazed parents'. The 5-azaC application generally increased the auxin content and promoted the growth of overgrazed offspring while inhibited no-grazed offspring growth. Meanwhile, there were similar trends in the expression level of genes related to auxin-responsive target genes (ARF7, ARF19), and signal transduction gene (AZF2). These results suggest that DNA methylation leads to overgrazing-induced plant transgenerational dwarfism via inhibiting auxin signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yin
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Weibo Ren
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China; Key Laboratory of Forage Breeding and Seed Production of Inner Mongolia, Inner Mongolia M-Grass Ecology and Environment (Group) Co., Ltd., Hohhot 010016, China.
| | - Ellen L Fry
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP, UK
| | - Siyuan Sun
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Huijie Han
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Fenghui Guo
- Industrial Crop Institute, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, China
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17
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Tselika M, Belmezos N, Kallemi P, Andronis C, Chiumenti M, Navarro B, Lavigne M, Di Serio F, Kalantidis K, Katsarou K. PSTVd infection in Nicotiana benthamiana plants has a minor yet detectable effect on CG methylation. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1258023. [PMID: 38023875 PMCID: PMC10645062 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1258023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Viroids are small circular RNAs infecting a wide range of plants. They do not code for any protein or peptide and therefore rely on their structure for their biological cycle. Observed phenotypes of viroid infected plants are thought to occur through changes at the transcriptional/translational level of the host. A mechanism involved in such changes is RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Till today, there are contradictory works about viroids interference of RdDM. In this study, we investigated the epigenetic effect of viroid infection in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Using potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) as the triggering pathogen and via bioinformatic analyses, we identified endogenous gene promoters and transposable elements targeted by 24 nt host siRNAs that differentially accumulated in PSTVd-infected and healthy plants. The methylation status of these targets was evaluated following digestion with methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes coupled with PCR amplification, and bisulfite sequencing. In addition, we used Methylation Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) followed by sequencing (MSAP-seq) to study genomic DNA methylation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in CG sites upon viroid infection. In this study we identified a limited number of target loci differentially methylated upon PSTVd infection. These results enhance our understanding of the epigenetic host changes as a result of pospiviroid infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Tselika
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Paraskevi Kallemi
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Christos Andronis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Michela Chiumenti
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy
| | - Beatriz Navarro
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy
| | - Matthieu Lavigne
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Francesco Di Serio
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy
| | - Kriton Kalantidis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantina Katsarou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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18
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Harris CJ, Amtmann A, Ton J. Epigenetic processes in plant stress priming: Open questions and new approaches. Curr Opin Plant Biol 2023; 75:102432. [PMID: 37523900 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2023.102432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Priming reflects the capacity of plants to memorise environmental stress experience and improve their response to recurring stress. Epigenetic modifications in DNA and associated histone proteins may carry short-term and long-term memory in the same plant or mediate transgenerational effects, but the evidence is still largely circumstantial. New experimental tools now enable scientists to perform targeted manipulations that either prevent or generate a particular epigenetic modification in a particular location of the genome. Such 'reverse epigenetics' approaches allow for the interrogation of causality between individual priming-induced modifications and their role for altering gene expression and plant performance under recurring stress. Furthermore, combining site-directed epigenetic manipulation with conditional and cell-type specific promoters creates novel opportunities to test and engineer spatiotemporal patterns of priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jake Harris
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Anna Amtmann
- School of Molecular Biosciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G128QQ, UK.
| | - Jurriaan Ton
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
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19
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Su Y, Liu L, Deng Q, Lü Z, Wang Z, He Z, Wang T. Epigenetic architecture of Pseudotaxus chienii: Revealing the synergistic effects of climate and soil variables. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10511. [PMID: 37701023 PMCID: PMC10493196 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether conifers can withstand environmental changes especially temperature fluctuations has been controversial. Epigenetic analysis may provide new perspectives for solving the issue. Pseudotaxus chienii is an endangered gymnosperm species endemic to China. In this study, we have examined the genetic and epigenetic variations in its natural populations aiming to disentangle the synergistic effects of climate and soil on its population (epi)genetic differentiation by using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation-sensitive AFLP (MSAP) techniques. We identified 23 AFLP and 26, 7, and 5 MSAP outliers in P. chienii. Twenty-one of the putative adaptive AFLP loci were found associated with climate and/or soil variables including precipitation, temperature, K, Fe, Zn, and Cu, whereas 21, 7, and 4 MSAP outliers were significantly related to precipitation of wettest month (Bio13), precipitation driest of month (Bio14), percent tree cover (PTC), and soil Fe, Mn, and Cu compositions. Total precipitation and precipitation in the driest seasons were the most influential factors for genetic and epigenetic variation, respectively. In addition, a high full-methylation level and a strong correlation between genetic and epigenetic variation were detected in P. chienii. Climate is found of greater importance than soil in shaping adaptive (epi)genetic differentiation, and the synergistic effects of climate and climate-soil variables were also observed. The identified climate and soil variables should be considered when applying ex situ conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjuan Su
- School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Research Institute of Sun Yat‐sen University in ShenzhenShenzhenChina
| | - Li Liu
- School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qi Deng
- School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- School of MedicineGuangxi University of Science and TechnologyLiuzhouChina
| | - Zhuyan Lü
- School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ziqing He
- School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ting Wang
- Research Institute of Sun Yat‐sen University in ShenzhenShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
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20
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Rani R, Raza G, Ashfaq H, Rizwan M, Razzaq MK, Waheed MQ, Shimelis H, Babar AD, Arif M. Genome-wide association study of soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr.) germplasm for dissecting the quantitative trait nucleotides and candidate genes underlying yield-related traits. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1229495. [PMID: 37636105 PMCID: PMC10450938 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1229495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is one of the most significant crops in the world in terms of oil and protein. Owing to the rising demand for soybean products, there is an increasing need for improved varieties for more productive farming. However, complex correlation patterns among quantitative traits along with genetic interactions pose a challenge for soybean breeding. Association studies play an important role in the identification of accession with useful alleles by locating genomic sites associated with the phenotype in germplasm collections. In the present study, a genome-wide association study was carried out for seven agronomic and yield-related traits. A field experiment was conducted in 2015/2016 at two locations that include 155 diverse soybean germplasm. These germplasms were genotyped using SoySNP50K Illumina Infinium Bead-Chip. A total of 51 markers were identified for node number, plant height, pods per plant, seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, hundred-grain weight, and total yield using a multi-locus linear mixed model (MLMM) in FarmCPU. Among these significant SNPs, 18 were putative novel QTNs, while 33 co-localized with previously reported QTLs. A total of 2,356 genes were found in 250 kb upstream and downstream of significant SNPs, of which 17 genes were functional and the rest were hypothetical proteins. These 17 candidate genes were located in the region of 14 QTNs, of which ss715580365, ss715608427, ss715632502, and ss715620131 are novel QTNs for PH, PPP, SDPP, and TY respectively. Four candidate genes, Glyma.01g199200, Glyma.10g065700, Glyma.18g297900, and Glyma.14g009900, were identified in the vicinity of these novel QTNs, which encode lsd one like 1, Ergosterol biosynthesis ERG4/ERG24 family, HEAT repeat-containing protein, and RbcX2, respectively. Although further experimental validation of these candidate genes is required, several appear to be involved in growth and developmental processes related to the respective agronomic traits when compared with their homologs in Arabidopsis thaliana. This study supports the usefulness of association studies and provides valuable data for functional markers and investigating candidate genes within a diverse germplasm collection in future breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Rani
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Raza
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Hamza Ashfaq
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Division, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tando Jam, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khuram Razzaq
- Soybean Research Institute, National Center for Soybean Improvement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muhammad Qandeel Waheed
- Plant Breeding and Genetics Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Constituent College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Hussein Shimelis
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Allah Ditta Babar
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arif
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
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21
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Chen K, Zhang X, Peng H, Huang F, Sun G, Xu Q, Liao L, Xing Z, Zhong Y, Fang Z, Liao M, Luo S, Chen W, Dong M. Exploring the diagnostic value, prognostic value, and biological functions of NPC gene family members in hepatocellular carcinoma based on a multi-omics analysis. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:264. [PMID: 37541978 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is a cunning malignancy with a high incidence and mortality rate among cancers worldwide. The NPC gene family members (NPCs: NPC1, NPC2, and NPC1L1) are closely linked to the development of multiple cancers, but their role in liver cancer remains unclear. As a result, we must investigate their functions in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). NPCs were significantly differentially expressed between normal and LIHC tissues, with a high mutation frequency in LIHC. The ROC curve analysis revealed that NPC1/NPC2 had high diagnostic and prognostic values in LIHC. NPC1 expression was also found to be negatively correlated with its methylation level. The differentially expressed genes between high and low NPC1 expression groups in LIHC were mainly related to channel activity, transporter complexes, and plasma membrane adhesion molecules. Additionally, NPC1 expression was significantly associated with multiple immune cells and immunization checkpoints. It was hypothesized that a TUG1/SNHG4-miR-148a-3p-NPC1 regulatory axis is associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Finally, the protein expression of NPC1 in LIHC tissues and paraneoplastic tissues was detected, and NPC1-knockdown HepG2 cells (NPC1KO) inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion. This study helped to identify new prognostic markers and potential immunotherapeutic targets for LIHC and revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying NPC1 regulation in LIHC. The NPCs play a key role in the prognosis and diagnosis of LIHC and may be an important indicator for LIHC prognosis and diagnosis; NPC1 might be a potential therapeutic target in LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keheng Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Huixin Peng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
- Center for Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Fengdie Huang
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Guangyu Sun
- Chaozhou People's Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Chaozhou, China
| | - Qijiang Xu
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Lusheng Liao
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zhiyong Xing
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yanping Zhong
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zhichao Fang
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Meihua Liao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Shihua Luo
- Center for Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, PR China.
| | - Wencheng Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China.
- Center for Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, PR China.
| | - Mingyou Dong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China.
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
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22
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Sereshki S, Lee N, Omirou M, Fasoula D, Lonardi S. On the prediction of non-CG DNA methylation using machine learning. NAR Genom Bioinform 2023; 5:lqad045. [PMID: 37206627 PMCID: PMC10189801 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation can be detected and measured using sequencing instruments after sodium bisulfite conversion, but experiments can be expensive for large eukaryotic genomes. Sequencing nonuniformity and mapping biases can leave parts of the genome with low or no coverage, thus hampering the ability of obtaining DNA methylation levels for all cytosines. To address these limitations, several computational methods have been proposed that can predict DNA methylation from the DNA sequence around the cytosine or from the methylation level of nearby cytosines. However, most of these methods are entirely focused on CG methylation in humans and other mammals. In this work, we study, for the first time, the problem of predicting cytosine methylation for CG, CHG and CHH contexts on six plant species, either from the DNA primary sequence around the cytosine or from the methylation levels of neighboring cytosines. In this framework, we also study the cross-species prediction problem and the cross-context prediction problem (within the same species). Finally, we show that providing gene and repeat annotations allows existing classifiers to significantly improve their prediction accuracy. We introduce a new classifier called AMPS (annotation-based methylation prediction from sequence) that takes advantage of genomic annotations to achieve higher accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Sereshki
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Nathan Lee
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Michalis Omirou
- Department of Agrobiotechnology, Agricultural Microbiology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Dionysia Fasoula
- Department of Plant Breeding, Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Stefano Lonardi
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 951 827 2203; Fax: +1 951 827 4643;
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23
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Li Q, Wang X, Sun Z, Wu Y, Malkodslo MM, Ge J, Jing Z, Zhou Q, Cai J, Zhong Y, Huang M, Jiang D. DNA methylation levels of TaP5CS and TaBADH are associated with enhanced tolerance to PEG-induced drought stress triggered by drought priming in wheat. Plant Physiol Biochem 2023; 200:107769. [PMID: 37263071 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Drought priming is a promising strategy to enhance tolerance to recurred drought in wheat. However, the underlying mechanisms of priming-induced tolerance are far from clear. Here, three different priming intensities (P1D, P2D, P3D) and two varieties with different sensitivities to drought priming were used to investigate the effects and mechanisms of drought priming. Results showed light (P1D) or moderate (P2D) drought priming intensity induced positive effects for the drought sensitive variety (YM16), while high (P3D) priming intensity brought a negative impact on the plant drought resistant. For drought insensitive one (XM33), light priming intensity had no significant effect on tolerance to drought, while moderate or high intensity showed better priming effects. Moderate priming induced higher leaf water potential and also the osmolytes levels. Consistent with the proline and betaine, the related synthetic enzymatic activities, as well as the expression of TaP5CS and TaBADH were higher in P2D in YM16 and P3D in XM33. The contents of proline and betaine showed a positive correlation with activities of SOD, CAT, GR, AsA, and GSH contents, and a negative correlation with O2.-, H2O2, and MDA contents. Further analysis revealed CG demethylation of ATG-proximal regions in the promoter of TaP5CS and TaBADH were involved in promoting the synthesis of proline and betaine in primed plants. Collectively, these findings demonstrate drought priming effect was variety independent but depended on the priming severity, and demethylation of TaP5CS and TaBADH involved in the accumulation of osmolytes which contribute to the enhanced drought tolerance induced by priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Zhuangzhuang Sun
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yixin Wu
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Maguje Masa Malkodslo
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiakun Ge
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zihan Jing
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jian Cai
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yingxin Zhong
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Mei Huang
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Dong Jiang
- National Technique Innovation Center for Regional Wheat Production, Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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24
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Luo P, Di DW. Precise Regulation of the TAA1/TAR-YUCCA Auxin Biosynthesis Pathway in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108514. [PMID: 37239863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA) pathway is the main auxin biosynthesis pathway in the plant kingdom. Local control of auxin biosynthesis through this pathway regulates plant growth and development and the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. During the past decades, genetic, physiological, biochemical, and molecular studies have greatly advanced our understanding of tryptophan-dependent auxin biosynthesis. The IPA pathway includes two steps: Trp is converted to IPA by TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE OF ARABIDOPSIS/TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE RELATED PROTEINs (TAA1/TARs), and then IPA is converted to IAA by the flavin monooxygenases (YUCCAs). The IPA pathway is regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, protein modification, and feedback regulation, resulting in changes in gene transcription, enzyme activity and protein localization. Ongoing research indicates that tissue-specific DNA methylation and miRNA-directed regulation of transcription factors may also play key roles in the precise regulation of IPA-dependent auxin biosynthesis in plants. This review will mainly summarize the regulatory mechanisms of the IPA pathway and address the many unresolved questions regarding this auxin biosynthesis pathway in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Dong-Wei Di
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
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25
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Shen F, He H, Huang X, Deng Y, Yang X. Insights into the convergent evolution of fructan biosynthesis in angiosperms from the highly characteristic chicory genome. New Phytol 2023; 238:1245-1262. [PMID: 36751914 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fructans in angiosperms play essential roles in physiological functions and environmental adaptations. As a major source of industrial fructans (especially inulin-type), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a model species for studying fructan biosynthesis. However, the genes underlying this process and their evolutionary history in angiosperms remain elusive. We combined multiple sequencing technologies to assemble and annotate the chicory genome and scan its (epi)genomic features, such as genomic components, DNA methylation, and three-dimensional (3D) structure. We also performed a comparative genomics analysis to uncover the associations between key traits and gene families. We achieved a nearly complete chicory genome assembly and found that continuous bursts of a few highly active retrotransposon families largely shaped the (epi)genomic characteristics. The highly methylated genome with its unique 3D structure potentially influences critical biological processes. Our comprehensive comparative genomics analysis deciphered the genetic basis for the rich sesquiterpene content in chicory and indicated that the fructan-accumulating trait resulted from convergent evolution in angiosperms due to shifts in critical sites of fructan-active enzymes. The highly characterized chicory genome provides insight into Asteraceae evolution and fructan biosynthesis in angiosperms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Shen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Hao He
- Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yang Deng
- Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Xiaozeng Yang
- Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
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26
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Babbar R, Tiwari LD, Mishra RC, Shimphrui R, Singh AA, Goyal I, Rana S, Kumar R, Sharma V, Tripathi G, Khungar L, Sharma J, Agrawal C, Singh G, Biswas T, Biswal AK, Sahi C, Sarkar NK, Grover A. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing additional copies of heat shock protein Hsp101 showed high heat tolerance and endo-gene silencing. Plant Sci 2023; 330:111639. [PMID: 36796649 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hsp101 chaperone is vital for survival of plants under heat stress. We generated transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) lines with extra copies of Hsp101 gene using diverse approaches. Arabidopsis plants transformed with rice Hsp101 cDNA driven by Arabidopsis Hsp101 promoter (IN lines) showed high heat tolerance while the plants transformed with rice Hsp101 cDNA driven by CaMV35S promoter (C lines) were like wild type plants in heat stress response. Transformation of Col-0 plants with 4633 bp Hsp101 genomic fragment (GF lines) from A. thaliana containing both its coding and the regulatory sequence resulted in mostly over-expressor (OX) lines and a few under-expressor (UX) lines of Hsp101. OX lines showed enhanced heat tolerance while the UX lines were overly heat sensitive. In UX lines, silencing of not only Hsp101 endo-gene was noted but also transcript of choline kinase (CK2) was silenced. Previous work established that in Arabidopsis, CK2 and Hsp101 are convergent gene pairs sharing a bidirectional promoter. The elevated AtHsp101 protein amount in most GF and IN lines was accompanied by lowered CK2 transcript levels under HS. We observed increased methylation of the promoter and gene sequence region in UX lines; however, methylation was lacking in OX lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Babbar
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Lalit Dev Tiwari
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Ratnesh Chandra Mishra
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Rinchuila Shimphrui
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Aditya Abha Singh
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India; Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226007, India
| | - Isha Goyal
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Surbhi Rana
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Ritesh Kumar
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Vijyesh Sharma
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Gayatri Tripathi
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Lisha Khungar
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Jaydeep Sharma
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Chhavi Agrawal
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Garima Singh
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Tanya Biswas
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Anup Kumar Biswal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, MP, India
| | - Chandan Sahi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, MP, India
| | - Neelam K Sarkar
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Anil Grover
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India.
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27
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Achrem M, Stępień E, Kalinka A. Epigenetic Changes Occurring in Plant Inbreeding. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5407. [PMID: 36982483 PMCID: PMC10048984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inbreeding is the crossing of closely related individuals in nature or a plantation or self-pollinating plants, which produces plants with high homozygosity. This process can reduce genetic diversity in the offspring and decrease heterozygosity, whereas inbred depression (ID) can often reduce viability. Inbred depression is common in plants and animals and has played a significant role in evolution. In the review, we aim to show that inbreeding can, through the action of epigenetic mechanisms, affect gene expression, resulting in changes in the metabolism and phenotype of organisms. This is particularly important in plant breeding because epigenetic profiles can be linked to the deterioration or improvement of agriculturally important characteristics.
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28
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Liu F, Zhang P, Liang Z, Yuan Y, Liu Y, Wu Y. The global dynamic of DNA methylation in response to heat stress revealed epigenetic mechanism of heat acclimation in Saccharina japonica. J Phycol 2023; 59:249-263. [PMID: 36453855 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Saccharina japonica is an ecologically and economically important kelp in cold-temperate regions. When it is cultivated on a large scale in the temperate and even subtropical zones, heat stress is a frequent abiotic stress. This study is the first attempt to reveal the regulatory mechanism of the response to heat stress from the perspective of DNA methylation in S. japonica. We firstly obtained the characteristics of variation in the methylome under heat stress, and observed that heat stress caused a slight increase in the overall methylation level and methylation rate, especially in the non-coding regions of the genome. Secondly, we noted that methylation was probably one of factors affecting the expression of genes, and that methylation within the gene body was positively correlated with the gene expression (rho = 0.0784). Moreover, it was found that among the differentially expressed genes regulated by methylation, many genes were related to heat stress response, such as HSP gene family, genes of antioxidant enzymes, genes related to proteasome-ubiquitination pathway, and plant cell signaling pathways. This study demonstrated that DNA methylation is involved in regulating the response to heat stress, laying a foundation for studying the acclimation and adaptation of S. japonica to heat stress from an epigenetic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education; College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Pengyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture; Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhourui Liang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture; Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanmin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture; Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture; Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yukun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture; Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
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29
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Gallusci P, Agius DR, Moschou PN, Dobránszki J, Kaiserli E, Martinelli F. Deep inside the epigenetic memories of stressed plants. Trends Plant Sci 2023; 28:142-153. [PMID: 36404175 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence sheds light on the peculiar type of plant intelligence. Plants have developed complex molecular networks that allow them to remember, choose, and make decisions depending on the stress stimulus, although they lack a nervous system. Being sessile, plants can exploit these networks to optimize their resources cost-effectively and maximize their fitness in response to multiple environmental stresses. Even more interesting is the capability to transmit this experience to the next generation(s) through epigenetic modifications that add to the classical genetic inheritance. In this opinion article, we present concepts and perspectives regarding the capabilities of plants to sense, perceive, remember, re-elaborate, respond, and to some extent transmit to their progeny information to adapt more efficiently to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Gallusci
- Ecophysiologie et Génomique Fonctionnelle de la Vigne (EGFV), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, INRAE, ISVV, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Dolores R Agius
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Ġ.F. Abela Junior College, Ġuzè Debono Square, Msida, Malta
| | - Panagiotis N Moschou
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Judit Dobránszki
- Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Eirini Kaiserli
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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30
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Cadavid IC, Balbinott N, Margis R. Beyond transcription factors: more regulatory layers affecting soybean gene expression under abiotic stress. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220166. [PMID: 36706026 PMCID: PMC9881580 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Abiotic stresses such as nutritional imbalance, salt, light intensity, and high and low temperatures negatively affect plant growth and development. Through the course of evolution, plants developed multiple mechanisms to cope with environmental variations, such as physiological, morphological, and molecular adaptations. Epigenetic regulation, transcription factor activity, and post-transcriptional regulation operated by RNA molecules are mechanisms associated with gene expression regulation under stress. Epigenetic regulation, including histone and DNA covalent modifications, triggers chromatin remodeling and changes the accessibility of transcription machinery leading to alterations in gene activity and plant homeostasis responses. Soybean is a legume widely produced and whose productivity is deeply affected by abiotic stresses. Many studies explored how soybean faces stress to identify key elements and improve productivity through breeding and genetic engineering. This review summarizes recent progress in soybean gene expression regulation through epigenetic modifications and circRNAs pathways, and points out the knowledge gaps that are important to study by the scientific community. It focuses on epigenetic factors participating in soybean abiotic stress responses, and chromatin modifications in response to stressful environments and draws attention to the regulatory potential of circular RNA in post-transcriptional processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cristina Cadavid
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular (PPGBCM), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Natalia Balbinott
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Genética, Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular (PPGBM), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rogerio Margis
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular (PPGBCM), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Genética, Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular (PPGBM), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Biofisica, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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31
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Lancíková V, Kačírová J, Hricová A. Identification and gene expression analysis of cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferase and demethylase genes in Amaranthus cruentus L. under heavy metal stress. Front Plant Sci 2023; 13:1092067. [PMID: 36684770 PMCID: PMC9846163 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1092067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Amaranth has become increasingly popular due to its highly nutritious grains and ability to tolerate environmental stress. The mechanism underlying defense and adaptation to environmental stress is a complicated process involving DNA methylation and demethylation. These epigenetic features have been well documented to play an important role in plant stress response, including heavy metal-induced stress. This study was aimed at the identification and analysis of cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferase (C5-MTase) and demethylase (DMTase) genes in Amaranthus cruentus. Eight C5-MTase and two DMTase genes were identified and described in response to individual heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn) and their combination (Cd/Pb, Cd/Zn, Pb/Zn) in root and leaf tissues. Studied heavy metals, individually and in combinations, differentially regulated C5-MTase and DMTase gene expression. Interestingly, most of the genes were transcriptionally altered under Zn exposure. Our results suggest that identified amaranth MTase and DMTase genes are involved in heavy metal stress responses through regulating DNA methylation and demethylation level in amaranth plants.
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32
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Faltus T. The applicability of the European GMO legislation to epigenetically modified organisms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1124131. [PMID: 36923460 PMCID: PMC10009104 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1124131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to classic genetic engineering for the targeted modification of the base sequence of the DNA, epigenetic methods for the targeted modification of the genetic material without base changes are increasingly being used. Such epigenetic techniques can be used, for example, to influence stress tolerance to heat or aridity in plants. The regulatory handling of organisms generated by means of epigenetic techniques on the grounds of genetic engineering law has not yet been clarified. This paper critically reviews the legal classification of epigenetically modified organisms as GMOs as expressed in the study on New Genomic Techniques published in April 2021 by the European Commission. The paper shows that there are reasons to assume that epigenetically modified organisms are not covered by the European GMO legislation. In addition, the paper provides an introductory overview of the significance of epigenetics and the methods used to intentionally influence epigenetic traits and illustrates the possibility for a consistent, risk-based regulation of epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Faltus
- Faculty of Law, Economics and Business, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle an der Saale, Germany
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33
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Van Antro M, Prelovsek S, Ivanovic S, Gawehns F, Wagemaker NCAM, Mysara M, Horemans N, Vergeer P, Verhoeven KJF. DNA methylation in clonal duckweed (Lemna minor L.) lineages reflects current and historical environmental exposures. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:428-443. [PMID: 36324253 PMCID: PMC10100429 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Environmentally induced DNA methylation variants may mediate gene expression responses to environmental changes. If such induced variants are transgenerationally stable, there is potential for expression responses to persist over multiple generations. Our current knowledge in plants, however, is almost exclusively based on studies conducted in sexually reproducing species where the majority of DNA methylation changes are subject to resetting in germlines, limiting the potential for transgenerational epigenetics stress memory. Asexual reproduction circumvents germlines, and may therefore be more conducive to long-term inheritance of epigenetic marks. Taking advantage of the rapid clonal reproduction of the common duckweed Lemna minor, we hypothesize that long-term, transgenerational stress memory from exposure to high temperature can be detected in DNA methylation profiles. Using a reduced representation bisulphite sequencing approach (epiGBS), we show that temperature stress induces DNA hypermethylation at many CG and CHG cytosine contexts but not CHH. Additionally, differential methylation in CHG context that was observed was still detected in a subset of cytosines, even after 3-12 generations of culturing in a common environment. This demonstrates a memory effect of stress reflected in the methylome and that persists over multiple clonal generations. Structural annotation revealed that this memory effect in CHG methylation was enriched in transposable elements. The observed epigenetic stress memory is probably caused by stable transgenerational persistence of temperature-induced DNA methylation variants across clonal generations. To the extent that such epigenetic memory has functional consequences for gene expression and phenotypes, this result suggests potential for long-term modulation of stress responses in asexual plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Van Antro
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stella Prelovsek
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Slavica Ivanovic
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur Gawehns
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mohamed Mysara
- Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Nele Horemans
- Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Philippine Vergeer
- Plant Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Koen J F Verhoeven
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Vogt G. Environmental Adaptation of Genetically Uniform Organisms with the Help of Epigenetic Mechanisms-An Insightful Perspective on Ecoepigenetics. Epigenomes 2022; 7:1. [PMID: 36648862 PMCID: PMC9844400 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms adapt to different environments by selection of the most suitable phenotypes from the standing genetic variation or by phenotypic plasticity, the ability of single genotypes to produce different phenotypes in different environments. Because of near genetic identity, asexually reproducing populations are particularly suitable for the investigation of the potential and molecular underpinning of the latter alternative in depth. Recent analyses on the whole-genome scale of differently adapted clonal animals and plants demonstrated that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs are among the molecular pathways supporting phenotypic plasticity and that epigenetic variation is used to stably adapt to different environments. Case studies revealed habitat-specific epigenetic fingerprints that were maintained over subsequent years pointing at the existence of epigenetic ecotypes. Environmentally induced epimutations and corresponding gene expression changes provide an ideal means for fast and directional adaptation to changing or new conditions, because they can synchronously alter phenotypes in many population members. Because microorganisms inclusive of human pathogens also exploit epigenetically mediated phenotypic variation for environmental adaptation, this phenomenon is considered a universal biological principle. The production of different phenotypes from the same DNA sequence in response to environmental cues by epigenetic mechanisms also provides a mechanistic explanation for the "general-purpose genotype hypothesis" and the "genetic paradox of invasions".
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter Vogt
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 234, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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35
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Fambrini M, Usai G, Pugliesi C. Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis in Plants: Different Players and Focus on WUSCHEL and WUS-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) Transcription Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23. [PMID: 36555594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In plants, other cells can express totipotency in addition to the zygote, thus resulting in embryo differentiation; this appears evident in apomictic and epiphyllous plants. According to Haberlandt's theory, all plant cells can regenerate a complete plant if the nucleus and the membrane system are intact. In fact, under in vitro conditions, ectopic embryos and adventitious shoots can develop from many organs of the mature plant body. We are beginning to understand how determination processes are regulated and how cell specialization occurs. However, we still need to unravel the mechanisms whereby a cell interprets its position, decides its fate, and communicates it to others. The induction of somatic embryogenesis might be based on a plant growth regulator signal (auxin) to determine an appropriate cellular environment and other factors, including stress and ectopic expression of embryo or meristem identity transcription factors (TFs). Still, we are far from having a complete view of the regulatory genes, their target genes, and their action hierarchy. As in animals, epigenetic reprogramming also plays an essential role in re-establishing the competence of differentiated cells to undergo somatic embryogenesis. Herein, we describe the functions of WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) transcription factors in regulating the differentiation-dedifferentiation cell process and in the developmental phase of in vitro regenerated adventitious structures.
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36
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Coates RJ, Young MT, Scofield S. Optimising expression and extraction of recombinant proteins in plants. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:1074531. [PMID: 36570881 PMCID: PMC9773421 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1074531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins are of paramount importance for research, industrial and medical use. Numerous expression chassis are available for recombinant protein production, and while bacterial and mammalian cell cultures are the most widely used, recent developments have positioned transgenic plant chassis as viable and often preferential options. Plant chassis are easily maintained at low cost, are hugely scalable, and capable of producing large quantities of protein bearing complex post-translational modification. Several protein targets, including antibodies and vaccines against human disease, have been successfully produced in plants, highlighting the significant potential of plant chassis. The aim of this review is to act as a guide to producing recombinant protein in plants, discussing recent progress in the field and summarising the factors that must be considered when utilising plants as recombinant protein expression systems, with a focus on optimising recombinant protein expression at the genetic level, and the subsequent extraction and purification of target proteins, which can lead to substantial improvements in protein stability, yield and purity.
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37
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Zhou Z, Fan B, Cheng H, Wang M, Xie J, Zou M, Yang Y. A Systematic Analysis of the Role of Unc-5 Netrin Receptor A (UNC5A) in Human Cancers. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121826. [PMID: 36551254 PMCID: PMC9775303 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Unc-5 netrin receptor A (UNC5A), a netrin family receptor, plays a key role in neuronal development and subsequent differentiation. Recently, studies have found that UNC5A plays an important role in multiple cancers, such as bladder cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and colon cancer but its pan-cancer function is largely unknown. Herein, the R software and multiple databases or online websites (The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), The Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and cBioPortal etc.) were utilized to examine the role of UNC5A in pan-cancer. UNC5A was found to be highly expressed across multiple human cancer tissues and cells, was linked to clinical outcomes of patients, and was a potential pan-cancer biomarker. The mutational landscape of UNC5A exhibited that patients with UNC5A mutations had poorer progress free survival (PFS) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) and prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). Furthermore, UNC5A expression was associated with tumor mutation burden (TMB), neoantigen, tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor microsatellite instability (MSI), immunomodulators, immune infiltration, DNA methylation, immune checkpoint (ICP) genes, and drug responses. Our results suggest the potential of UNC5A as a pan-cancer biomarker and an efficient immunotherapy target, which may also guide drug selection for some specific cancer types in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonglang Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Bingfu Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Hongrong Cheng
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Yongding Hospital, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Jun Xie
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
- Correspondence: (J.X.); (M.Z.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Mingyuan Zou
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (J.X.); (M.Z.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yi Yang
- International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
- Correspondence: (J.X.); (M.Z.); (Y.Y.)
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38
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Lieberman-Lazarovich M, Kaiserli E, Bucher E, Mladenov V. Natural and induced epigenetic variation for crop improvement. Curr Opin Plant Biol 2022; 70:102297. [PMID: 36108411 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining global food security is a major challenge that requires novel strategies for crop improvement. Epigenetic regulation of plant responses to adverse environmental conditions provides a tunable mechanism to optimize plant growth, adaptation and ultimately yield. Epibreeding employs agricultural practices that rely on key epigenetic features as a means of engineering favorable phenotypic traits in target crops. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, in controlling phenotypic variation in crop species in response to environmental factors. The potential use of natural and induced epigenetic features as platforms for crop improvement via epibreeding, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Lieberman-Lazarovich
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel.
| | - Eirini Kaiserli
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Etienne Bucher
- Crop Genome Dynamics Group, Agroscope Changins, 1260, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Velimir Mladenov
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Sq. Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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Volná A, Bartas M, Pečinka P, Špunda V, Červeň J. What Do We Know about Barley miRNAs? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23. [PMID: 36499082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant miRNAs are powerful regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, which was repeatedly proved in several model plant species. miRNAs are considered to be key regulators of many developmental, homeostatic, and immune processes in plants. However, our understanding of plant miRNAs is still limited, despite the fact that an increasing number of studies have appeared. This systematic review aims to summarize our current knowledge about miRNAs in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare), which is an important agronomical crop worldwide and serves as a common monocot model for studying abiotic stress responses as well. This can help us to understand the connection between plant miRNAs and (not only) abiotic stresses in general. In the end, some future perspectives and open questions are summarized.
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40
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Kosová V, Latzel V, Hadincová V, Münzbergová Z. Effect of DNA methylation, modified by 5-azaC, on ecophysiological responses of a clonal plant to changing climate. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17262. [PMID: 36241768 PMCID: PMC9568541 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is expected to be an important mechanism behind phenotypic plasticity. Whether epigenetic regulation affects species ecophysiological adaptations to changing climate remains largely unexplored. We compared ecophysiological traits between individuals treated with 5-azaC, assumed to lead to DNA demethylation, with control individuals of a clonal grass originating from and grown under different climates, simulating different directions and magnitudes of climate change. We linked the ecophysiological data to proxies of fitness. Main effects of plant origin and cultivating conditions predicted variation in plant traits, but 5-azaC did not. Effects of 5-azaC interacted with conditions of cultivation and plant origin. The direction of the 5-azaC effects suggests that DNA methylation does not reflect species long-term adaptations to climate of origin and species likely epigenetically adjusted to the conditions experienced during experiment set-up. Ecophysiology translated to proxies of fitness, but the intensity and direction of the relationships were context dependent and affected by 5-azaC. The study suggests that effects of DNA methylation depend on conditions of plant origin and current climate. Direction of 5-azaC effects suggests limited role of epigenetic modifications in long-term adaptation of plants. It rather facilitates fast adaptations to temporal fluctuations of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Kosová
- grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XDepartment of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vít Latzel
- grid.418095.10000 0001 1015 3316Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Průhonice, Czech Republic
| | - Věroslava Hadincová
- grid.418095.10000 0001 1015 3316Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Průhonice, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Münzbergová
- grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XDepartment of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic ,grid.418095.10000 0001 1015 3316Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Průhonice, Czech Republic
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Bhatia G, Prall W, Sharma B, Gregory BD. Covalent RNA modifications and their budding crosstalk with plant epigenetic processes. Curr Opin Plant Biol 2022; 69:102287. [PMID: 35988352 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Our recent cognizance of diverse RNA classes undergoing dynamic covalent chemical modifications (or epitranscriptomic marks) in plants has provided fresh insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of gene expression regulation. Comparatively, epigenetic marks comprising heritable modifications of DNA and histones have been extensively studied in plants and their impact on plant gene expression is quite established. Based on our growing knowledge of the plant epitranscriptome and epigenome, it is logical to explore how the two regulatory layers intermingle to intricately determine gene expression levels underlying key biological processes such as development and response to stress. Herein, we focus on the emerging evidence of crosstalk between the plant epitranscriptome with epigenetic regulation involving DNA modification, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Bhatia
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wil Prall
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bishwas Sharma
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian D Gregory
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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42
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Voloudakis AE, Kaldis A, Patil BL. RNA-Based Vaccination of Plants for Control of Viruses. Annu Rev Virol 2022; 9:521-548. [PMID: 36173698 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-091919-073708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Plant viruses cause nearly half of the emerging plant diseases worldwide, contributing to 10-15% of crop yield losses. Control of plant viral diseases is mainly accomplished by extensive chemical applications targeting the vectors (i.e., insects, nematodes, fungi) transmitting these viruses. However, these chemicals have a significant negative effect on human health and the environment. RNA interference is an endogenous, cellular, sequence-specific RNA degradation mechanism in eukaryotes induced by double-stranded RNA molecules that has been exploited as an antiviral strategy through transgenesis. Because genetically modified crop plants are not accepted for cultivation in several countries globally, there is an urgent demand for alternative strategies. This has boosted research on exogenous application of the RNA-based biopesticides that are shown to exhibit significant protective effect against viral infections. Such environment-friendly and efficacious antiviral agents for crop protection will contribute to global food security, without adverse effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas E Voloudakis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Kaldis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece;
| | - Basavaprabhu L Patil
- Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka State, India
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43
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Dhakate P, Sehgal D, Vaishnavi S, Chandra A, Singh A, Raina SN, Rajpal VR. Comprehending the evolution of gene editing platforms for crop trait improvement. Front Genet 2022; 13:876987. [PMID: 36082000 PMCID: PMC9445674 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.876987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas (CRISPR-associated) system was initially discovered as an underlying mechanism for conferring adaptive immunity to bacteria and archaea against viruses. Over the past decade, this has been repurposed as a genome-editing tool. Numerous gene editing-based crop improvement technologies involving CRISPR/Cas platforms individually or in combination with next-generation sequencing methods have been developed that have revolutionized plant genome-editing methodologies. Initially, CRISPR/Cas nucleases replaced the earlier used sequence-specific nucleases (SSNs), such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), to address the problem of associated off-targets. The adaptation of this platform led to the development of concepts such as epigenome editing, base editing, and prime editing. Epigenome editing employed epi-effectors to manipulate chromatin structure, while base editing uses base editors to engineer precise changes for trait improvement. Newer technologies such as prime editing have now been developed as a “search-and-replace” tool to engineer all possible single-base changes. Owing to the availability of these, the field of genome editing has evolved rapidly to develop crop plants with improved traits. In this review, we present the evolution of the CRISPR/Cas system into new-age methods of genome engineering across various plant species and the impact they have had on tweaking plant genomes and associated outcomes on crop improvement initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dhakate
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepmala Sehgal
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), México-Veracruz, Mexico
| | | | - Atika Chandra
- Department of Botany, Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Apekshita Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Soom Nath Raina
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India
- *Correspondence: Vijay Rani Rajpal, ; Soom Nath Raina,
| | - Vijay Rani Rajpal
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Vijay Rani Rajpal, ; Soom Nath Raina,
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Sečnik A, Štajner N, Radišek S, Kunej U, Križman M, Jakše J. Cytosine Methylation in Genomic DNA and Characterization of DNA Methylases and Demethylases and Their Expression Profiles in Viroid-Infected Hop Plants ( Humulus lupulus Var. 'Celeia'). Cells 2022; 11:cells11162592. [PMID: 36010668 PMCID: PMC9406385 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abiotic and biotic stresses can lead to changes in host DNA methylation, which in plants is also mediated by an RNA-directed DNA methylation mechanism. Infections with viroids have been shown to affect DNA methylation dynamics in different plant hosts. The aim of our research was to determine the content of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) in genomic DNA at the whole genome level of hop plants (Humulus lupulus Var. 'Celeia') infected with different viroids and their combinations and to analyse the expression of the selected genes to improve our understanding of DNA methylation dynamics in plant-viroid systems. The adapted HPLC-UV method used proved to be suitable for this purpose, and thus we were able to estimate for the first time that the cytosine methylation level in viroid-free hop plants was 26.7%. Interestingly, the observed 5-mC level was the lowest in hop plants infected simultaneously with CBCVd, HLVd and HSVd (23.7%), whereas the highest level was observed in plants infected with HLVd (31.4%). In addition, we identified three DNA methylases and one DNA demethylase gene in the hop's draft genome. The RT-qPCR revealed upregulation of all newly identified genes in hop plants infected with all three viroids, while no altered expression was observed in any of the other hop plants tested, except for CBCVd-infected hop plants, in which one DNA methylase was also upregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Sečnik
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Štajner
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sebastjan Radišek
- Plant Protection Department, Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing, 3310 Žalec, Slovenia
| | - Urban Kunej
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mitja Križman
- Laboratory for Food Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Jakše
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-3203280
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Wang JL, Di DW, Luo P, Zhang L, Li XF, Guo GQ, Wu L. The roles of epigenetic modifications in the regulation of auxin biosynthesis. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:959053. [PMID: 36017262 PMCID: PMC9396225 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.959053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Auxin is one of the most important plant growth regulators of plant morphogenesis and response to environmental stimuli. Although the biosynthesis pathway of auxin has been elucidated, the mechanisms regulating auxin biosynthesis remain poorly understood. The transcription of auxin biosynthetic genes is precisely regulated by complex signaling pathways. When the genes are expressed, epigenetic modifications guide mRNA synthesis and therefore determine protein production. Recent studies have shown that different epigenetic factors affect the transcription of auxin biosynthetic genes. In this review, we focus our attention on the molecular mechanisms through which epigenetic modifications regulate auxin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Li Wang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gene Editing for Breeding, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dong-Wei Di
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Pan Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gene Editing for Breeding, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guang-Qin Guo
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gene Editing for Breeding, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Gene Editing for Breeding, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Selma S, Sanmartín N, Espinosa‐Ruiz A, Gianoglio S, Lopez‐Gresa MP, Vázquez‐Vilar M, Flors V, Granell A, Orzaez D. Custom-made design of metabolite composition in N. benthamiana leaves using CRISPR activators. Plant Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1578-1590. [PMID: 35514036 PMCID: PMC9342607 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR architecture expand our ability to reprogramme endogenous gene expression in plants. One of their potential applications is the customization of plant metabolome through the activation of selected enzymes in a given metabolic pathway. Using the previously described multiplexable CRISPR activator dCasEV2.1, we assayed the selective enrichment in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves of four different flavonoids, namely, naringenin, eriodictyol, kaempferol, and quercetin. After careful selection of target genes and guide RNAs combinations, we created successful activation programmes for each of the four metabolites, each programme activating between three and seven genes, and with individual gene activation levels ranging from 4- to 1500-fold. Metabolic analysis of the flavonoid profiles of each multigene activation programme showed a sharp and selective enrichment of the intended metabolites and their glycosylated derivatives. Remarkably, principal component analysis of untargeted metabolic profiles clearly separated samples according to their activation treatment, and hierarchical clustering separated the samples into five groups, corresponding to the expected four highly enriched metabolite groups, plus an un-activated control. These results demonstrate that dCasEV2.1 is a powerful tool for re-routing metabolic fluxes towards the accumulation of metabolites of interest, opening the door for the custom-made design of metabolic contents in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Selma
- Instituto Biologia Molecular de PlantasCSIC‐UPVValenciaSpain
| | - Neus Sanmartín
- Escuela Superior de Tecnología y Ciencias ExperimentalesUniversidad Jaume ICastellón de la PlanaSpain
| | | | | | | | | | - Victor Flors
- Escuela Superior de Tecnología y Ciencias ExperimentalesUniversidad Jaume ICastellón de la PlanaSpain
| | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto Biologia Molecular de PlantasCSIC‐UPVValenciaSpain
| | - Diego Orzaez
- Instituto Biologia Molecular de PlantasCSIC‐UPVValenciaSpain
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Jogam P, Sandhya D, Alok A, Peddaboina V, Allini VR, Zhang B. A review on CRISPR/Cas-based epigenetic regulation in plants. Int J Biol Macromol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Lucibelli F, Valoroso MC, Aceto S. Plant DNA Methylation: An Epigenetic Mark in Development, Environmental Interactions, and Evolution. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8299. [PMID: 35955429 PMCID: PMC9368846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification of the genome involved in the regulation of gene expression and modulation of chromatin structure. Plant genomes are widely methylated, and the methylation generally occurs on the cytosine bases through the activity of specific enzymes called DNA methyltransferases. On the other hand, methylated DNA can also undergo demethylation through the action of demethylases. The methylation landscape is finely tuned and assumes a pivotal role in plant development and evolution. This review illustrates different molecular aspects of DNA methylation and some plant physiological processes influenced by this epigenetic modification in model species, crops, and ornamental plants such as orchids. In addition, this review aims to describe the relationship between the changes in plant DNA methylation levels and the response to biotic and abiotic stress. Finally, we discuss the possible evolutionary implications and biotechnological applications of DNA methylation.
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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: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Gómez G, Marquez-Molins J, Martinez G, Pallas V. Plant epigenome alterations: an emergent player in viroid-host interactions. Virus Res 2022; 318:198844. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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