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Epigenetics and epigenomics: underlying mechanisms, relevance, and implications in crop improvement
Gaurav Agarwal1,2, Himabindu Kudapa1, Abirami Ramalingam3
1Center of Excellence in Genomics & Systems Biology (CEGSB), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Abstract:
Epigenetics is defined as changes in gene expression that are not associated with changes in DNA sequence but due to the result of methylation of DNA and post-translational modifications to the histones. These epigenetic modifications are known to regulate gene expression by bringing changes in the chromatin state, which underlies plant development and shapes phenotypic plasticity in responses to the environment and internal cues. This review articulates the role of histone modifications and DNA methylation in modulating biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as crop improvement. It also highlights the possibility of engineering epigenomes and epigenome-based predictive models for improving agronomic traits.
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