Expanding the plant epigenetic code: histone short-chain acylation

Gene expression regulation in plants involves complex epigenetic mechanisms. Historically, histone acetylation and methylation have been recognized as central determinants of chromatin dynamics and transcriptional regulation. However, recent studies have identified novel types of short-chain lysine acylation - including crotonylation, butyrylation, β-hydroxybutyrylation, 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation, succinylation, and lactylation - as emerging players in epigenetic control. Although these modifications have been extensively characterized in mammals, accumulating evidence now confirms their presence in plants. We focus on plant-specific findings related to histone acylation and analyze its metabolic sources, writers, and erasers, as well as its functional roles in plant development and stress adaptation. Investigation of these modifications in higher plants may unveil unique regulatory mechanisms that underlie developmental plasticity and resilience, and thereby open new avenues for crop improvement and sustainable agriculture.