Back to Search Start Over

Global 5-methylcytosine alterations in DNA during ageing of Quercus robur seeds.

Authors :
Michalak, Marcin
Plitta-Michalak, Beata P.
Naskręt-Barciszewska, Mirosława
Barciszewski, Jan
Bujarska-Borkowska, Barbara
Chmielarz, Paweł
Source :
Annals of Botany; Sep2015, Vol. 116 Issue 3, p369-376, 8p
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

*Background and Aims Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the management of plant growth, development and response to stress factors, and several reports have indicated that DNA methylation plays a critical role in seed development and viability. This study examines changes in 5-methylcytosine (m<superscript>5</superscript>C) levels in the DNA of seeds during ageing, a process that has important implications for plant conservation and agriculture. *Methods Changes in the global level of m<superscript>5</superscript>C were measured in mature seeds of oak, Quercus robur. The extent of DNA methylation was measured using a protocol based on two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. Viability of seeds was determined by germination and seedling emergence tests. *Key Results An ageing-related decrease in total m<superscript>5</superscript> C during storage of recalcitrant seeds was highly and significantly correlated with a decrease in seed viability, as reflected by a reduction in germination (r= 0-8880) and seedling emergence (r = 0-8269). *Conclusions The decrease in viability during ageing of Q. robur seeds is highly correlated with a global decline in the amount of m<superscript>5</superscript>C in genomic DNA, and it is possible that this may represent a typical response to ageing and senescence in recalcitrant seeds. Potential mechanisms that drive changes in genomic DNA methylation during ageing are discussed, together with their implications for seed viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03057364
Volume :
116
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Annals of Botany
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
109545181
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcv104