Epigenetic reprogramming in plant sexual reproduction
Tomokazu Kawashima1, Frédéric Berger1
1Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 117604 Singapore; and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543 Singapore. Present address: Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology GmbH, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
Nature Reviews. Genetics
|July 23, 2014
Summary
Epigenetic reprogramming, involving DNA methylation and histone changes, occurs during plant sexual reproduction. This process is vital for maintaining genome integrity and potentially generating epiallelic variation.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Developmental Biology
- Plant Reproduction and Genomics
Background:
- Epigenetic reprogramming, characterized by DNA methylation and histone modifications, is essential in mammalian sexual reproduction for genomic integrity and resetting imprinted genes.
- Historically, stable transgenerational inheritance of epialleles in plants suggested a lack of reprogramming, contrasting with mammalian systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and significance of epigenetic reprogramming during plant sexual reproduction.
- To determine the role of reprogramming in maintaining plant genome integrity and contributing to epiallelic variation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA methylation patterns during plant gametogenesis and early embryonic development.
- Assessment of histone modification dynamics across the plant reproductive cycle.
- Comparative genomics to identify epiallelic variation potentially arising from reprogramming events.
Main Results:
- Emerging evidence confirms that epigenetic reprogramming occurs during plant sexual reproduction.
- Reprogramming plays a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the plant genome.
- Evidence suggests a potential contribution of reprogramming to the generation of epiallelic variation in plants.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic reprogramming is a conserved process in sexual reproduction across kingdoms, including plants.
- Plant epigenetic reprogramming is crucial for genome maintenance and may drive evolutionary adaptation through epiallelic diversity.
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