Epigenomic Diversity in a Global Collection of Arabidopsis thaliana Accessions.

The epigenome orchestrates genome accessibility, functionality, and three-dimensional structure. Because epigenetic variation can impact transcription and thus phenotypes, it may contribute to adaptation. Here, we report 1,107 high-quality single-base resolution methylomes and 1,203 transcriptomes from the 1001 Genomes collection of Arabidopsis thaliana. Although the genetic basis of methylation variation is highly complex, geographic origin is a major predictor of genome-wide DNA methylation levels and of altered gene expression caused by epialleles. Comparison to cistrome and epicistrome datasets identifies associations between transcription factor binding sites, methylation, nucleotide variation, and co-expression modules. Physical maps for nine of the most diverse genomes reveal how transposons and other structural variants shape the epigenome, with dramatic effects on immunity genes. The 1001 Epigenomes Project provides a comprehensive resource for understanding how variation in DNA methylation contributes to molecular and non-molecular phenotypes in natural populations of the most studied model plant.

Beyond heat waves: Unlocking epigenetic heat stress memory in Arabidopsis.

Plants remember their exposure to environmental changes and respond more effectively the next time they encounter a similar change by flexibly altering gene expression. Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in establishing such memory of environmental changes and fine-tuning gene expression. With the recent advancements in biochemistry and sequencing technologies, it has become possible to characterize the dynamics of epigenetic changes on scales ranging from short term (minutes) to long term (generations). Here, our main focus is on describing the current understanding of the temporal regulation of histone modifications and chromatin changes during exposure to short-term recurring high temperatures and reevaluating them in the context of natural environments. Investigations of the dynamics of histone modifications and chromatin structural changes in Arabidopsis after repeated exposure to heat at short intervals have revealed the detailed molecular mechanisms of short-term heat stress memory, which include histone modification enzymes, chromatin remodelers, and key transcription factors. In addition, we summarize the spatial regulation of heat responses. Based on the natural temperature patterns during summer, we discuss how plants cope with recurring heat stress occurring at various time intervals by utilizing 2 distinct types of heat stress memory mechanisms. We also explore future research directions to provide a more precise understanding of the epigenetic regulation of heat stress memory.

Genome-wide cis-decoding for expression design in tomato using cistrome data and explainable deep learning.

In the evolutionary history of plants, variation in cis-regulatory elements (CREs) resulting in diversification of gene expression has played a central role in driving the evolution of lineage-specific traits. However, it is difficult to predict expression behaviors from CRE patterns to properly harness them, mainly because the biological processes are complex. In this study, we used cistrome datasets and explainable convolutional neural network (CNN) frameworks to predict genome-wide expression patterns in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit from the DNA sequences in gene regulatory regions. By fixing the effects of trans-acting factors using single cell-type spatiotemporal transcriptome data for the response variables, we developed a prediction model for crucial expression patterns in the initiation of tomato fruit ripening. Feature visualization of the CNNs identified nucleotide residues critical to the objective expression pattern in each gene, and their effects were validated experimentally in ripening tomato fruit. This cis-decoding framework will not only contribute to the understanding of the regulatory networks derived from CREs and transcription factor interactions, but also provides a flexible means of designing alleles for optimized expression.

Life-Cycle Multiomics of Rice Shoots Reveals Growth Stage-Specific Effects of Drought Stress and Time-Lag Drought Responses.

Field-grown rice plants are exposed to various stresses at different stages of their life cycle, but little is known about the effects of stage-specific stresses on phenomes and transcriptomes. In this study, we performed integrated time-course multiomics on rice at 3-d intervals from seedling to heading stage under six drought conditions in a well-controlled growth chamber. Drought stress at seedling and reproductive stages reduced yield performance by reducing seed number and setting rate, respectively. High temporal resolution analysis revealed that drought response occurred in two steps: a rapid response via the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway and a slightly delayed DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN (DREB) pathway, allowing plants to respond flexibly to deteriorating soil water conditions. Our long-term time-course multiomics showed that temporary drought stress delayed flowering due to prolonged expression of the flowering repressor gene GRAIN NUMBER, PLANT HEIGHT AND HEADING DATE 7 (Ghd7) and delayed expression of the florigen genes HEADING DATE 3a (Hd3a) and RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T 1 (RFT1). Our life-cycle multiomics dataset on rice shoots under drought conditions provides a valuable resource for further functional genomic studies to improve crop resilience to drought stress.

Mutation of the imprinted gene OsEMF2a induces autonomous endosperm development and delayed cellularization in rice.

In angiosperms, endosperm development comprises a series of developmental transitions controlled by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that are initiated after double fertilization. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a key component of these mechanisms that mediate histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3); the action of PRC2 is well described in Arabidopsis thaliana but remains uncertain in cereals. In this study, we demonstrate that mutation of the rice (Oryza sativa) gene EMBRYONIC FLOWER2a (OsEMF2a), encoding a zinc-finger containing component of PRC2, causes an autonomous endosperm phenotype involving proliferation of the central cell nuclei with separate cytoplasmic domains, even in the absence of fertilization. Detailed cytological and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the autonomous endosperm can produce storage compounds, starch granules, and protein bodies specific to the endosperm. These events have not been reported in Arabidopsis. After fertilization, we observed an abnormally delayed developmental transition in the endosperm. Transcriptome and H3K27me3 ChIP-seq analyses using endosperm from the emf2a mutant identified downstream targets of PRC2. These included >100 transcription factor genes such as type-I MADS-box genes, which are likely required for endosperm development. Our results demonstrate that OsEMF2a-containing PRC2 controls endosperm developmental programs before and after fertilization.

Generation of major glutelin-deficient (GluA, GluB, and GluC) semi-dwarf Koshihikari rice line.

KEY MESSAGE: We generated a new Koshihikari rice line with a drastically reduced content of glutelin proteins and higher lodging resistance by using new and conventional plant breeding techniques. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, we generated mutant rice with drastically decreased contents of major glutelins. A Koshihikari rice mutant line, a123, lacking four glutelins (GluA1, GluA2, GluB4, and GluB5) was used as a host, and another five major glutelin genes (GluA3, GluB1a, GluB1b, GluB2, and GluC) were knocked out through two iterations of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Mutant seeds were deficient in the GluA family, GluB family, and GluC, and the line obtained was named GluABC KO. Glutelin content was much lower in GluABC KO than in the existing low-glutelin rice mutant LGC-1. A null segregant of GluABC KO was selected using new-generation sequencing and backcrossing, and the sd-1 allele for the semi-dwarf trait was introduced to increase lodging resistance.

Temporal changes in transcripts of miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements during rice endosperm development.

The repression of transcription from transposable elements (TEs) by DNA methylation is necessary to maintain genome integrity and prevent harmful mutations. However, under certain circumstances, TEs may escape from the host defense system and reactivate their transcription. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa), DNA demethylases target the sequences derived from TEs in the central cell, the progenitor cell for the endosperm in the female gametophyte. Genome-wide DNA demethylation is also observed in the endosperm after fertilization. In the present study, we used a custom microarray to survey the transcripts generated from TEs during rice endosperm development and at selected time points in the embryo as a control. The expression patterns of TE transcripts are dynamically up- and downregulated during endosperm development, especially those of miniature inverted-repeat TEs (MITEs). Some TE transcripts were directionally controlled, whereas the other DNA transposons and retrotransposons were not. We also discovered the NUCLEAR FACTOR Y binding motif, CCAAT, in the region near the 5' terminal inverted repeat of Youren, one of the transcribed MITEs in the endosperm. Our results uncover dynamic changes in TE activity during endosperm development in rice.

The transcriptomic landscapes of rice cultivars with diverse root system architectures grown in upland field conditions.

Root system architecture affects plant drought resistance and other key agronomic traits such as lodging. However, although phenotypic and genomic variation has been extensively analyzed, few field studies have integrated phenotypic and transcriptomic information, particularly for below-ground traits such as root system architecture. Here, we report the phenotypic and transcriptomic landscape of 61 rice (Oryza sativa) accessions with highly diverse below-ground traits grown in an upland field. We found that four principal components explained the phenotypic variation and that accessions could be classified into four subpopulations (indica, aus, japonica and admixed) based on their tiller numbers and crown root diameters. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes associated with specific subpopulations were enriched with stress response-related genes, suggesting that subpopulations have distinct stress response mechanisms. Root growth was negatively correlated with auxin-inducible genes, suggesting an association between auxin signaling and upland field conditions. A negative correlation between crown root diameter and stress response-related genes suggested that thicker crown root diameter is associated with resistance to mild drought stress. Finally, co-expression network analysis implemented with DNA affinity purification followed by sequencing analysis identified phytohormone signaling networks and key transcription factors negatively regulating crown root diameter. Our datasets provide a useful resource for understanding the genomic and transcriptomic basis of phenotypic variation under upland field conditions.

iPOTs: Internet of Things-based pot system controlling optional treatment of soil water condition for plant phenotyping under drought stress.

A cultivation facility that can assist users in controlling the soil water condition is needed for accurately phenotyping plants under drought stress in an artificial environment. Here we report the Internet of Things-based pot system controlling optional treatment of soil water condition (iPOTs), an automatic irrigation system that mimics the drought condition in a growth chamber. The Wi-Fi-enabled iPOTs system allows water supply from the bottom of the pot, based on the soil water level set by the user, and automatically controls the soil water level at a desired depth. The iPOTs also allows users to monitor environmental parameters, such as soil temperature, air temperature, humidity, and light intensity, in each pot. To verify whether the iPOTs mimics the drought condition, we conducted a drought stress test on rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties and near-isogenic lines, with diverse root system architecture, using the iPOTs system installed in a growth chamber. Similar to the results of a previous drought stress field trial, the growth of shallow-rooted rice accessions was severely affected by drought stress compared with that of deep-rooted accessions. The microclimate data obtained using the iPOTs system increased the accuracy of plant growth evaluation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that pot positions in the growth chamber had little impact on plant growth. Together, these results suggest that the iPOTs system is a reliable platform for phenotyping plants under drought stress.

Common alleles of CMT2 and NRPE1 are major determinants of CHH methylation variation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

DNA cytosine methylation is an epigenetic mark associated with silencing of transposable elements (TEs) and heterochromatin formation. In plants, it occurs in three sequence contexts: CG, CHG, and CHH (where H is A, T, or C). The latter does not allow direct inheritance of methylation during DNA replication due to lack of symmetry, and methylation must therefore be re-established every cell generation. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have previously shown that CMT2 and NRPE1 are major determinants of genome-wide patterns of TE CHH methylation. Here we instead focus on CHH methylation of individual TEs and TE-families, allowing us to identify the pathways involved in CHH methylation simply from natural variation and confirm the associations by comparing them with mutant phenotypes. Methylation at TEs targeted by the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway is unaffected by CMT2 variation, but is strongly affected by variation at NRPE1, which is largely responsible for the longitudinal cline in this phenotype. In contrast, CMT2-targeted TEs are affected by both loci, which jointly explain 7.3% of the phenotypic variation (13.2% of total genetic effects). There is no longitudinal pattern for this phenotype, however, because the geographic patterns appear to compensate for each other in a pattern suggestive of stabilizing selection.

Gene networks orchestrated by MeGI: a single-factor mechanism underlying sex determination in persimmon.

Separating male and female sex organs is one of the main strategies used to maintain genetic diversity within a species. However, the genetic determinants and their regulatory mechanisms have been identified in only a few species. In dioecious persimmons, the homeodomain transcription factor, MeGI, which is the target of a Y chromosome-encoded small-RNA, OGI, can determine floral sexuality. The basic features of this system are conserved in the monoecious hexaploid Oriental persimmon, in which an additional epigenetic regulation of MeGI determines floral sexuality. The downstream regulatory pathways of MeGI remain uncharacterized. In this study, we examined transcriptomic data for male and female flowers from monoecious persimmon cultivars to unveil the gene networks orchestrated by MeGI. A network visualization and cistrome assessment suggested that class-1 KNOTTED-like homeobox (KNOX)/ovate family protein (OFP)/growth regulating factors (GRFs) and short vegetative phase (SVP) genes mediate the differences in gynoecium and androecium development between male and female flowers, respectively. The expression of these genes is directly controlled by MeGI. The gene networks also suggested that some cytokinin, auxin, and gibberellin signaling genes function cooperatively in the KNOX/OFP/GRF pathway during gynoecium differentiation. Meanwhile, SVP may repress PI expression in developing androecia. Overall, our results suggest that MeGI evolved the ability to promote gynoecium development and suppress androecium development by regulating KNOX/OFP/GRF and SVP expression levels, respectively. These insights may help to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying the production of unisexual flowers, while also elucidating the physiological background enabling a single-factor system to establish dioecy in plants.

Low-cost RNA extraction method for highly scalable transcriptome studies.

RNA extraction has been improved by integration of a variety of materials in the protocol, such as phenol, guanidine thiocyanate, and silica, according to the case-specific demands. However, few methods have been designed for high-throughput RNA preparation for large-scale transcriptome studies. In this study, we established a high-throughput guanidinium thiocyanate and isopropyl alcohol based RNA extraction method (HighGI). HighGI is based on simple and phenol-free homemade buffers and the cost is substantially lower than a column-based commercial kit. We demonstrated that the quality and quantity of RNA extracted with HighGI were comparable to those extracted with a conventional phenol/chloroform-based method and a column-based commercial kit. HighGI retained small RNAs less than 200 bp, which are lost with a commercial column-based kit. We also demonstrated that HighGI is readily applicable to semi-automated RNA extraction. HighGI enables high-throughput RNA extraction for large-scale RNA preparation with high yield and quality.

Diversity and dynamics of DNA methylation: epigenomic resources and tools for crop breeding.

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that can affect gene expression and transposable element (TE) activities. Because cytosine DNA methylation patterns are inherited through both mitotic and meiotic cell divisions, differences in these patterns can contribute to phenotypic variability. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have enabled the generation of abundant DNA sequence data. Integrated analyses of genome-wide gene expression patterns and DNA methylation patterns have revealed the underlying mechanisms and functions of DNA methylation. Moreover, associations between DNA methylation and agronomic traits have also been uncovered. The resulting information may be useful for future applications of natural epigenomic variation, for crop breeding. Additionally, artificial epigenome editing may be an attractive new plant breeding technique for generating novel varieties with improved agronomic traits.

Transgene-independent heredity of RdDM-mediated transcriptional gene silencing of endogenous genes in rice.

To induce transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of endogenous genes of rice (Oryza sativa L.), we expressed double-strand RNA of each promoter region and thus induced RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). We targeted constitutively expressed genes encoding calnexin (CNX), protein disulphide isomerase (PDIL1-1) and luminal binding protein (BiP1); an endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducible gene (OsbZIP50); and genes with seed-specific expression encoding α-globulin (Glb-1) and glutelin-B4 (GluB4). TGS of four genes was obtained with high efficiency (CNX, 66.7% of regenerated plants; OsBiP1, 67.4%; OsbZIP50, 63.4%; GluB4, 66.1%), whereas the efficiency was lower for PDIL1-1 (33.3%) and Glb-1 TGS lines (10.5%). The heredity of TGS, methylation levels of promoter regions and specificity of silencing of the target gene were investigated in some of the TGS lines. In progeny of CNX and OsbZIP50 TGS lines, suppression of the target genes was preserved (except in the endosperm) even after the removal of trigger genes (T-DNA) by segregation. TGS of CNX was reverted by demethylation treatment, and a significant difference in CG and CHG methylation levels in the -1 to -250 bp region of the CNX promoter was detected between the TGS and revertant lines, suggesting that TGS is closely related to the methylation levels of promoter. TGS exhibited specific suppression towards the target gene compared with post-transcriptional gene silencing when GluB4 gene from glutelin multigene family was targeted. Based on these results, future perspectives and problems to be solved in the application of RdDM to new plant breeding techniques in rice are discussed.

Divergent cytosine DNA methylation patterns in single-cell, soybean root hairs.

Chromatin modifications, such as cytosine methylation of DNA, play a significant role in mediating gene expression in plants, which affects growth, development, and cell differentiation. As root hairs are single-cell extensions of the root epidermis and the primary organs for water uptake and nutrients, we sought to use root hairs as a single-cell model system to measure the impact of environmental stress. We measured changes in cytosine DNA methylation in single-cell root hairs as compared with multicellular stripped roots, as well as in response to heat stress. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in each methylation context showed very distinct methylation patterns between cell types and in response to heat stress. Intriguingly, at normal temperature, root hairs were more hypermethylated than were stripped roots. However, in response to heat stress, both root hairs and stripped roots showed hypomethylation in each context, especially in the CHH context. Moreover, expression analysis of mRNA from similar tissues and treatments identified some associations between DMRs, genes and transposons. Taken together, the data indicate that changes in DNA methylation are directly or indirectly associated with expression of genes and transposons within the context of either specific tissues/cells or stress (heat).

Identification of a cis-element that mediates multiple pathways of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response in rice.

The accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen leads to ER stress. Intracellular signalling pathways are activated to alleviate the stress. The ER stress sensor IRE1 induces the active form of key transcription factors, such as XBP1 in mammals and bZIP50 in Oryza sativa (rice), by mediating the unconventional splicing of their mRNAs. Although the characterization of cis-elements that are recognized by these transcription factors is essential for understanding ER stress responses, such cis-elements remain unidentified in plants. Here, a cis-element named pUPRE-II was identified from promoters of bZIP50-dependent genes using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The sequence of pUPRE-II (e.g., 5'-GATGACGCGTAC-3' in the OsSAR1 promoter) was found to be flexible and not identical with that of mUPRE, a cis-element that preferentially interacts with mammalian XBP1. Unexpectedly, the transcription factor bZIP60, another ER stress sensor in rice, and a counterpart of mammalian ATF6, also showed strong binding affinity for pUPRE-II without assistance from co-factors. Reporter assays indicated that pUPRE-II significantly contributes to gene expression mediated by bZIP50 or bZIP60 in rice. Although both bZIP50 and bZIP60 bound to pUPRE-II, these transcription factors showed distinct requirements for transcriptional activation. This study provides a missing link between ER stress sensors and stress-responsive genes in rice. Furthermore, the characteristics of pUPRE-II highlight the uniqueness of ER stress-responsive transcription in plants.

Signal transduction by IRE1-mediated splicing of bZIP50 and other stress sensors in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response of rice.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor IRE1 transduces signals by inducing the unconventional splicing of mRNAs encoding key transcription factors: HAC1 in yeast and XBP1 in animals. However, no HAC1 or XBP1 homologues have been found in plants, and until recently the substrate for plant IRE1 has remained unknown. This study demonstrates that the Oryza sativa (rice) OsbZIP50 transcription factor, an orthologue of Arabidopsis AtbZIP60, is regulated by IRE1-mediated splicing of its RNA. Despite the presence of a transcriptional activation domain, OsbZIP50 protein is not translocated into the nucleus efficiently in the absence of OsbZIP50 mRNA splicing. Unconventional splicing of OsbZIP50 mRNA causes a frame shift, which results in the appearance of a nuclear localization signal in the newly translated OsbZIP50. OsbZIP50 mRNA is spliced in a similar manner to HAC1 and XBP1 mRNAs; however, this splicing has very different effects on the translation products, a finding that shows the diversity of IRE1-related transcription factors in eukaryotes. In addition, the expression of OsbZIP50 is affected by ER stress sensor proteins OsIRE1, OsbZIP39 and OsbZIP60. ER stress-related genes differ with respect to their dependency on OsbZIP50 for their expression. The findings of this study improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the plant ER stress response.

Transgenic rice seeds accumulating recombinant hypoallergenic birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 generate giant protein bodies.

A versatile hypoallergenic allergen derivative against multiple allergens is an ideal tolerogen for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Such a tolerogen should exhibit high efficacy, without side effects, when administered at high doses and should be applicable to several allergens. Tree pollen chimera 7 (TPC7), a hypoallergenic Bet v 1 tolerogen against birch pollen allergy, was previously selected by DNA shuffling of 14 types of Fagales tree pollen allergens. In this study, transgenic rice seed accumulating TPC7 was generated as an oral vaccine against birch pollen allergy by expressing this protein as a secretory protein using the N-terminal signal peptide and the C-terminal KDEL tag under the control of an endosperm-specific glutelin promoter. The highest level of TPC7 accumulation was approximately 207 µg grain(-1). Recombinant TPC7 is a glycoprotein with high mannose-type N-glycan, but without ß1,2-xylose or α1,3-fucose, suggesting that TPC7 is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). TPC7 is deposited as a novel, giant spherical ER-derived protein body, >20 µm in diameter, which is referred to as the TPC7 body. Removal of the KDEL retention signal or mutation of a cysteine residue resulted in an alteration of TPC7 body morphology, and deletion of the signal peptide prevented the accumulation of TPC7 in rice seeds. Therefore, the novel TPC7 bodies may have formed aggregates within the ER lumen, primarily due to the intrinsic physicochemical properties of the protein.

RNA silencing induced by an artificial sequence that prevents proper transcription termination in rice.

Posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is a sequence-specific mRNA degradation caused by small RNA, such as microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA). miRNAs are generated from MIRNA loci, whereas siRNAs originate from various sources of double-stranded RNA. In this study, an artificial RNA silencing inducible sequence (RSIS) was identified in rice (Oryza sativa). This sequence causes PTGS of 5' or 3' flanking-sequence-containing genes. Interestingly, two target genes can be simultaneously suppressed by linking a unique target sequence to either the 5' or 3' end of RSIS. Multiple gene suppression can be also achieved though a single transformation event by incorporating the multisite gateway system. Moreover, RSIS-mediated PTGS occurs in nuclei. Deep sequencing of small RNAs reveals that siRNAs are produced from RSIS-expressing cassettes and transitive siRNAs are produced from endogenous target genes. Furthermore, siRNAs are typically generated from untranscribed transgene terminator regions. The read-through transcripts from the RSIS-expression cassette were consistently observed, and most of these sequences were not polyadenylated. Collectively, this data indicates that RSIS inhibits proper transcription termination. The resulting transcripts are not polyadenylated. These transcripts containing RSIS become templates for double-stranded RNA synthesis in nuclei. This is followed by siRNA production and target degradation of target genes.

Transcriptome profiles of rice roots under simulated microgravity conditions and following gravistimulation.

Root system architecture affects the efficient uptake of water and nutrients in plants. The root growth angle, which is a critical component in determining root system architecture, is affected by root gravitropism; however, the mechanism of root gravitropism in rice remains largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a time-course transcriptome analysis of rice roots under conditions of simulated microgravity using a three-dimensional clinostat and following gravistimulation to detect candidate genes associated with the gravitropic response. We found that HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN (HSP) genes, which are involved in the regulation of auxin transport, were preferentially up-regulated during simulated microgravity conditions and rapidly down-regulated by gravistimulation. We also found that the transcription factor HEAT STRESS TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR A2s (HSFA2s) and HSFB2s, showed the similar expression patterns with the HSPs. A co-expression network analysis and an in silico motif search within the upstream regions of the co-expressed genes revealed possible transcriptional control of HSPs by HSFs. Because HSFA2s are transcriptional activators, whereas HSFB2s are transcriptional repressors, the results suggest that the gene regulatory networks governed by HSFs modulate the gravitropic response through transcriptional control of HSPs in rice roots.