Regulatory role of ncRNAs networks in the expression and maintenance of the embryogenic competence in <i>Solanum betaceum</i> Cav. calli

Cordeiro, Daniela; Canhoto, Jorge; Correia, Sandra

doi:10.17660/actahortic.2023.1359.22

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 29 publications

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“…Together with hormones, epigenetic marks are crucial during SE induction and progression (Feher 2015, Pasternak and Dudits 2019). The reprogramming of the cell transcriptome that results in the release of a new developmental program is related to wide changes in the chromatin structure, which involves genome‐wide changes of epigenetic modifications in DNA and histones (De‐la‐Peña et al 2015, Cordeiro et al 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

DNA demethylation by transitory 5‐azacytidine treatment improves somatic embryogenesis yield for regeneration and breeding of cork oak

Carneros,

Díaz‐Luzza,

Pérez‐Pérez

et al. 2024

Physiologia Plantarum

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Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a crucial biotechnological tool for large‐scale mass propagation of selected material, genetic transformation and breeding, with many advantages for forest tree improvement. However, the application of SE in forest species is limited because of their recalcitrance. SE is also a valuable system for studying cell reprogramming, acquisition of totipotency and embryo development. Increasing evidence reveals that epigenetic reprogramming takes place during SE through DNA methylation, although there is scarce information on forest species. In this work, we have evaluated DNA methylation dynamics during SE and the effects of the DNA demethylating agent 5‐azacytidine (AzaC) in cork oak. After induction and early stages of SE, a reduced DNA methylation level is observed, followed by an increase of methylation during embryo differentiation. These changes in DNA methylation during SE progression were associated with expression profiles of DNA methyltransferase genes QsMET1, QsDRM2 and QsCMT3, and DNA demethylase QsDME‐like. Treatment with AzaC reduced DNA methylation, promoted SE induction rate and proembryogenic masses proliferation, and induced the expression of the SE marker gene QsSERK1‐like. However, continuous AzaC treatment hindered embryo differentiation, suggesting that DNA methylation is needed for further embryo development. Interestingly, AzaC removal from the culture medium of embryogenic masses restored embryo development and led to a significant increase in somatic embryo production compared with untreated cultures. These findings open new possibilities using transitory treatments with small molecule epigenetic modulators, as AzaC, to enhance SE yields for forestry breeding programs.

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