Epigenetic regulation and beyond in grapevine-pathogen interactions: a biotechnological perspective

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Grapevine is a globally significant crop, vital for sustainable agriculture.
• Understanding plant immunity, particularly epigenetic regulation, is crucial for crop protection.
• Epigenetic mechanisms play a role in gene expression and heritable defense priming in plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consolidate current knowledge on grapevine epigenetic regulation and non-coding RNAs in response to biotic stress.
• To explore the potential of epigenetic marks in grapevine breeding for enhanced pathogen resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and knowledge integration of epigenetic mechanisms in grapevine immunity.
• Analysis of non-epigenetic non-coding RNAs involved in biotic stress responses.
• Exploration of breeding strategies utilizing natural variation and induced epigenetic modifications.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic marks are dynamically modulated during pathogen infection and can prime defense genes in plants.
• Knowledge on grapevine epigenetic regulation in biotic stress response is currently limited, highlighting a significant research gap.
• Non-coding RNAs also contribute to the grapevine's defense mechanisms against pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Integrating knowledge on epigenetics and non-coding RNAs can advance our understanding of grapevine immunity.
• Epigenetic strategies offer promising avenues for developing disease-resistant grapevine varieties through breeding.
• Further research into grapevine epigenetics is essential for improving sustainable viticulture and crop yield.