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Epigenetic Modulators in Plants: Mechanistic Insights, Screening Approaches, and Prospective Applications
Yuehui Shi1, Jingxi Lin1, Yanping Jiang1
1Yunnan Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Diseases, Center for Life Science and School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China.
Plant Physiology
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Plant epigenetics research faces limitations. This review explores using animal epigenetic modulators and developing new plant-specific ones to advance plant science and agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Epigenetics
- Chemical genetics
Background:
- Epigenetic regulation is crucial for plant growth, development, and adaptation.
- Current research is hindered by gene redundancy, lethality issues, and genetic transformation challenges.
- Animal epigenetic modulators show promise, but plant-specific ones are underdeveloped.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review animal epigenetic modulators for potential plant applications.
- To propose strategies for developing novel plant epigenetic modulators.
- To expand the chemical toolbox for plant epigenetics research and applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal epigenetic modulators.
- Analysis of conserved and divergent epigenetic pathways between plants and animals.
- Proposal of strategies for developing plant epigenetic modulators.
Main Results:
- Identified characterized animal epigenetic modulators with potential relevance to plants.
- Outlined strategies for adapting existing plant growth regulator development frameworks.
- Highlighted the need for plant-specific epigenetic chemical tools.
Conclusions:
- Bridging the gap in plant epigenetic modulators is essential for advancing fundamental research.
- Developing a robust chemical genetics approach will accelerate agricultural applications of epigenetics.
- Leveraging conserved pathways and novel strategies can overcome current limitations.
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