Uncovering epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of growth in Douglas-fir: identification of differential methylation regions in mega-sized introns.

ABSTRACT: Tree growth performance can be partly explained by genetics, while a large proportion of growth variation is thought to be controlled by environmental factors. However, to what extent DNA methylation, a stable epigenetic modification, contributes to phenotypic plasticity in the growth performance of long-lived trees remains unclear. In this study, a comparative analysis of targeted DNA genotyping, DNA methylation and mRNAseq profiling for needles of 44-year-old Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) having contrasting growth characteristics was performed. In total, we identified 195 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 115 differentially methylated loci (DML) that are associated with genes involved in fitness-related processes such as growth, stress management, plant

SUBMITTER: Vu GTH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10955500 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature