Abstract
Genome-wide epigenetic changes in plants are being reported during development and environmental stresses, which are often correlated with gene expression at the transcriptional level. The sum total of the biochemical changes in nuclear DNA, post-translational modifications in histone proteins and variations in the biogenesis of non-coding RNAs in a cell is known as an epigenome. These changes are often responsible for variation in the expression of the gene without any change in the underlying nucleotide sequence. The changes might also cause variation in chromatin structure resulting in the changes in function/activity of the genome. The epigenomic changes are dynamic with respect to the endogenous and/or environmental stimuli, which affect phenotypic plasticity of the organism. Both the epigenetic changes and variation in gene expression might return to the pre-stress state soon after the withdrawal of the stress. However, a part of the epigenetic changes may be retained, which is reported to play a role in acclimatization and adaptation as well as in the evolutionary process. Probable exploitation of epigenome-engineering for improved stress tolerance in plants has become essential for better utilization of the genetic resources. This review delineates the importance of epigenomics towards the possible improvement of plant responses to environmental stresses for climate resilient agriculture.
Highlights
An epigenome is defined as the sum total of all the biochemical changes in nuclear DNA, histone proteins and non-coding RNAs biogenesis in a cell
Studies on the epigenetic changes in and around DNA that regulate genome activity have been defined as epigenetics and the branch of genomics which deals with epigenomic studies is called epigenomics
The focus of the present review is the epigenetic modifications of DNA bases, the mechanisms regulating chromatin structure, gene expression, genome stability and transgenerational inheritance of the epigenetic marks followed by the future perspectives of the epigenetic studies
Summary
An epigenome is defined as the sum total of all the biochemical changes in nuclear DNA, histone proteins and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) biogenesis in a cell. Epigenomes 2018, 2, 6 evidence indicates that post-transcriptional modifications of nucleotides (e.g., N6 -methyladenosine, 5-methylcytidine, 5-hydroxylmethylcytidine etc.) in RNA are promising players in the area of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression This is leading to the emergence of a newer branch of functional genomics known as epitranscriptomics. Correlating genotypic variations with the rapid evolutionary changes under environmental pressure has been difficult, using the classic genetic approaches because the rate of genetic mutations and the observed phenotypic variations do not match Additional mechanisms such as epigenetics may help to explain this enigma [8]. The focus of the present review is the epigenetic modifications of DNA bases, the mechanisms regulating chromatin structure, gene expression, genome stability and transgenerational inheritance of the epigenetic marks followed by the future perspectives of the epigenetic studies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
