Comparative transcriptome and DNA methylation analysis in temperature-sensitive genic male sterile wheat BS366

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics
• Molecular biology
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Male sterile lines are crucial for heterosis breeding, impacting hybrid yield and seed purity.
• Understanding the genetic mechanisms of male sterility is essential for crop improvement.
• BS366 is a temperature-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) wheat line, exhibiting sterility at 12°C and fertility at 20°C.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying temperature-sensitive male sterility in the BS366 wheat line.
• To identify key genes and pathways affected by cold conditions that lead to male sterility.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome analysis to identify differentially expressed genes under cold stress.
• Methylation-Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (MethylRAD) to analyze DNA methylation patterns.
• Comparative analysis of gene expression and methylation under cold versus control conditions.

Main Results:

• Cold conditions caused defects in meiotic tetrad/dyad formation and abnormal pollen development in BS366.
• Transcriptome analysis revealed repression of meiotic genes and induction of DNA/histone methylation genes under cold.
• MethylRAD identified differentially methylated sites in genes related to carbohydrate, fatty acid, and lipid metabolism.
• Differentially expressed and methylated genes were predominantly involved in cell division.

Conclusions:

• DNA methylation of genes associated with carbon or fatty acid metabolism may contribute to male sterility in BS366.
• These findings offer new insights into the molecular basis of wheat male sterility.
• The study highlights the role of epigenetic modifications in regulating male fertility in response to temperature.