Abstract
BackgroundMaize (Zea mays) is an important model crop for transgenic studies. However, genetic transformation of maize requires embryonic calli derived from immature embryo, and the impact of utilizing tissue culture methods on the maize epigenome is poorly understood. Here, we generated whole-genome MeDIP-seq data examining DNA methylation in dedifferentiated and normal immature maize embryos.ResultsWe observed that most of the dedifferentiated embryos exhibited a methylation increase compared to normal embryos. Increased methylation at promoters was associated with down-regulated protein-coding gene expression; however, the correlation was not strong. Analysis of the callus and immature embryos indicated that the methylation increase was induced during induction of embryonic callus, suggesting phenotypic consequences may be caused by perturbations in genomic DNA methylation levels. The correlation between the 21-24nt small RNAs and DNA methylation regions were investigated but only a statistically significant correlation for 24nt small RNAs was observed.ConclusionsThese data extend the significance of epigenetic changes during maize embryo callus formation, and the methylation changes might explain some of the observed embryonic callus variation in callus formation.
Highlights
Maize (Zea mays) is an important model crop for transgenic studies
MeDIP-seq analysis of dedifferentiation in maize embryo reveals a large number of differentially methylated regions To investigate possible DNA methylation patterns changes that occur during callus induction in the maize embryo, we compared the methylated DNA of normal and inoculated embryos from the maize inbred line 18-599R using immunoprecipitation followed by massively parallel sequencing (MeDIP-seq)
Samples were immediately collected 12 d after self-pollination, and inoculated embryos were collected at each stage (Fig. 1a; immature embryos without inoculation (CK), intumescent embryo, initial calli, and embryonic calli) and were assessed with MeDIP-seq to generate a total of approximately 1.16 × 109 reads
Summary
Maize (Zea mays) is an important model crop for transgenic studies. Genetic transformation of maize requires embryonic calli derived from immature embryo, and the impact of utilizing tissue culture methods on the maize epigenome is poorly understood. We generated whole-genome MeDIP-seq data examining DNA methylation in dedifferentiated and normal immature maize embryos. Maize is one of the most important crops for both human and livestock animals. Maize has been modified using both conventional and molecular breeding methods to generate plants with an increased yield and a greater ability to adapt to various disadvantageous conditions. Efforts are underway to create maize plants with improved yield traits and resistance to various stresses using genetic engineering techniques. Modified maize plants are usually generated via tissue culture, and maize has been a primary target for genetic manipulation. Maize is a diverse species [2, 3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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 call