Linking cellular metabolism to chromatin modifications in plants

Beyond their traditional roles as biological building blocks and energy sources, metabolites also influence gene expression, exerting direct effects on the epigenetic landscape. For example, core metabolites such as acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) serve as substrates or cofactors for chromatin-modifying enzymes, thereby modulating transcription through the chemical modification of histones and DNA. In addition, metabolites regulate the transcription of the genes encoding these chromatin modifiers, as well as the post-translational modifications and enzymatic activities of these proteins. Therefore, we propose that the metabolic state of a cell or organism is a dynamic and active driver of epigenomic reprogramming, adjusting gene expression in response to fluctuations in the environment.