Targeting histone acetylation to enhance somatic embryogenesis in Quercus suber L

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Epigenetics
• Forestry

Background:

• Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is vital for forest tree propagation but limited by recalcitrance.
• Epigenetic regulation, including histone acetylation, influences SE but is poorly understood in forest species.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate histone H4 acetylation during cork oak SE.
• Evaluate the effect of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, on SE.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed histone H4 acetylation and histone acetyl transferase (HAT)/histone deacetylase (HDAC) gene expression during SE.
• Applied SAHA and butyrolactone 3 (HAT inhibitor) treatments to cork oak cultures.

Main Results:

• Histone H4 acetylation increased post-SE induction, correlating with HAT activity.
• SAHA treatment enhanced embryogenic mass proliferation and SE markers; transient application improved embryo development.
• HAT inhibition reduced histone acetylation and somatic embryo formation.

Conclusions:

• Histone acetylation plays a critical role in forest tree SE.
• Transient SAHA application is a promising strategy to improve SE in recalcitrant forest species.