Gene silencing via DNA methylation in naturally occurring Tragopogon miscellus (Asteraceae) allopolyploids.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hybridization coupled with whole-genome duplication (allopolyploidy) leads to a variety of genetic and epigenetic modifications in the resultant merged genomes. In particular, gene loss and gene silencing are commonly observed post-polyploidization. Here, we investigated DNA methylation as a potential mechanism for gene silencing in Tragopogon miscellus (Asteraceae), a recent and recurrently formed allopolyploid. This species, which also exhibits extensive gene loss, was formed from the diploids T. dubius and T. pratensis.

Results

Comparative bisulfite sequencing revealed CG methylation of parental homeologs for three loci (S2, S18 and TDF-44) that were previously identified as silenced in T. miscellus individuals relative to the diploid progenitors. One other loc

SUBMITTER: Sehrish T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4148530 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature