Journal Article

Deciphering the epigenetic alphabet involved in transgenerational stress memory in crops

Maury, Stéphane, National Center for Mariculture, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences = Académie bulgare des sciences [Académie des sciences de Bulgarie] = Българска академия на науките (BAS), Nagel, M, Miladinovic, D, Gallusci, Philippe, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops [Novi Sad], Baranek, M, University of Zagreb, Universidade de Aveiro = University of Aveiro, Agricultural University of Athens, Università degli Studi di Firenze = University of Florence = Université de Florence (UniFI), Kaiserli, E, Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures (LBLGC) ; Université d'Orléans (UO)-Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Avramidou, E, Sarri, E, Hoenicka, H, Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, Testillano, P. S, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas [España] = Spanish National Research Council [Spain] (CSIC), Kapazoglou, A, Tani, E, Cyprus University of Technology, Martinelli, F, University of Novi Sad, Leibniz Institute of

2021

Overview

Although epigenetic modifications have been intensely investigated over the last decade due to their role in crop adaptation to rapid climate change, it is unclear which epigenetic changes are heritable and therefore transmitted to their progeny. The identification of epigenetic marks that are transmitted to the next generations is of primary importance for their use in breeding and for the development of new cultivars with a broad-spectrum of tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this review, we discuss general aspects of plant responses to environmental stresses and provide an overview of recent findings on the role of transgenerational epigenetic modifications in crops. In addition, we take the opportunity to describe the aims of EPI-CATCH, an international COST action consortium composed by researchers from 28 countries. The aim of this COST action launched in 2020 is: (1) to define standardized pipelines and methods used in the study of epigenetic mechanisms in plants, (2) update, share, and exchange findings in epigenetic responses to environmental stresses in plants, (3) develop new concepts and frontiers in plant epigenetics and epigenomics, (4) enhance dissemination, communication, and transfer of knowledge in plant epigenetics and epigenomics.

• Publisher: MDPI,CCSD,MDPI AG
• Subject: Abiotic stress / Acclimatization - genetics / Adaptation, Physiological - genetics / Biochemistry, Molecular Biology / Botanics / Cold / Crops, Agricultural - genetics / DNA Methylation / Epigenesis, Genetic / Epigenetics / Epigenomics - methods / Gene expression / Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Genomics / Information storage / Inheritance Patterns / Life Sciences / Pathogens / Plant Breeding - methods / Review / Stress, Physiological - genetics / Vegetal Biology
• ISBN: 0006712001000