Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic change affecting gene expression in plants in both normal and stress conditions. The organelles, mitochondria and chloroplast play a significant role in sensing and initiating stress response. In this study, we report the methylation pattern in chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes in irrigated and water stressed conditions and its relationship with gene expression of a drought tolerant Zea mays cultivar, Z59. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing was done to analyze the pattern of methylation in both the conditions. Mapping of bisulfite reads to B73 reference of mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes showed hypomethylation in water stressed plants when compared to irrigated plants. Sliding window approach to the methylation count data showed highest peak at 419,800 to 420,800 bp region in mitochondria and at 36,900 to 37,900 bp region in chloroplast genomes in both samples. Annotation of the methylated genomes showed that, genes related to photosystem I & II in chloroplast and nad4 gene in mitochondria were hypo methylated in the water stressed sample. RNA-seq analysis of transcriptomics reads mapped to the same reference showed regulation of rps3, rps2A, ccmFC, atp1 and many uncharacterized genes in mitochondria and psbA, psbD, psbc, psaA, and atpA, genes in chloroplast.
Highlights
IntroductionEpigenetics is a study on genetic modifications, which occur in a cell without
We report the methylation pattern in chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes in irrigated and water stressed conditions and its relationship with gene expression of a drought tolerant Zea mays cultivar, Z59
Mapping of bisulfite reads to B73 reference of mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes showed hypomethylation in water stressed plants when compared to irrigated plants
Summary
Epigenetics is a study on genetic modifications, which occur in a cell without. Epigenetic regulation influences gene expression by turning its switch on or off. They contribute mainly to DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA processing. The role of epigenetic regulation is widely studied in various disciplines. Its role in abiotic stress tolerance is a challenge for plant researchers
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.
