Epigenetic regulation of adaptive responses of forest tree species to the environment

Abstract

Epigenetic variation is likely to contribute to the phenotypic plasticity and adaptative capacity of plant species, and may be especially important for long-lived organisms with complex life cycles, including forest trees. Diverse environmental stresses and hybridization/polyploidization events can create reversible heritable epigenetic marks that can be transmitted to subsequent generations as a form of molecular “memory”. Epigenetic changes might also contribute to the ability of plants to colonize or persist in variable environments. In this review, we provide an overview of recent data on epigenetic mechanisms involved in developmental processes and responses to environmental cues in plant, with a focus on forest tree species. We consider the possible role of forest tree epigenetics as a new source of adaptive traits in plant breeding, biotechnology, and ecosystem conservation under rapid climate change.

Genetic control of Eucalyptus globulus seed germination

“…While there are race differences in germination response and early seedling growth which appear independent of maternal seed provisioning, we cannot completely dismiss the possibility that the observed differences are not due to epigenetic changes (Bräutigam et al 2013). Such changes can be induced by environmental stress (Zhang et al 2013) and result in phenotypic effects that are adaptive (Bräutigam et al 2013;Jablonka 2013).…”

“…Such changes can be induced by environmental stress (Zhang et al 2013) and result in phenotypic effects that are adaptive (Bräutigam et al 2013;Jablonka 2013). For example, exposure to heat stress has been shown to cause intragenerational epigenetic changes in cork oak (Correia et al 2013), and transgenerational molecular and phenotypic changes in Arabidopsis (Boyko and Kovalchuk 2010;Suter and Widmer 2013).…”

Climate change impacts and adaptation in forest management: a review

“…Epigenetics-heritable changes that are not caused by changes in genetic sequences but by differences in the way DNA methylation controls the degree of gene expression-is another complicating factor in determining evolutionary response to climate change (Brautigam et al 2013). For example, a recent study in Norway spruce (Picea abies) showed that the temperature during embryo development can dramatically affect cold hardiness and bud phenology in the offspring.…”

“…It is suggested that analysis of the epigenetic processes in an ecological context, or 'ecological epigenetics', is set to transform our understanding of the way in which organisms function in the landscape. Increased understanding of these processes can inform efforts to manage and breed tree species to help them cope with environmental stresses (Brautigam et al 2013). Others argue that whilst investigating this evolutionary capacity to adapt is important, understanding responses of species to their changing biotic community is imperative (Anderson et al 2012) and 'landscape genomics' may offer a better approach for informing management of tree populations under climate change (Sork et al 2013).…”

Epigenetic memory effects in forest trees: a victory of “Michurinian biology”?

“…Bräutigam et al (2013) provided an excellent review of various aspects of epigenetic in forest trees. Here we mention only those relevant in terms of responses of trees to environmental signals.…”