Epigenetic variation: A major player in facilitating plant fitness under changing environmental conditions

Recent research in plant epigenetics has increased our understanding of how epigenetic variability can contribute to adaptive phenotypic plasticity in natural populations. Studies show that environmental changes induce epigenetic switches either independently or in complementation with the genetic v...

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Published in:Frontiers in cell and developmental biology 2022-10, Vol.10, p.1020958-1020958
Main Authors: Rajpal, Vijay Rani, Rathore, Priyanka, Mehta, Sahil, Wadhwa, Nikita, Yadav, Priyanka, Berry, Eapsa, Goel, Shailendra, Bhat, Vishnu, Raina, Soom Nath
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adaptive evolution
Cell and Developmental Biology
DNA methylation
epigenetic memory
epigenetic variability
fitness
phenotypic plasticity
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Summary:Recent research in plant epigenetics has increased our understanding of how epigenetic variability can contribute to adaptive phenotypic plasticity in natural populations. Studies show that environmental changes induce epigenetic switches either independently or in complementation with the genetic variation. Although most of the induced epigenetic variability gets reset between generations and is short-lived, some variation becomes transgenerational and results in heritable phenotypic traits. The short-term epigenetic responses provide the first tier of transient plasticity required for local adaptations while transgenerational epigenetic changes contribute to stress memory and help the plants respond better to recurring or long-term stresses. These transgenerational epigenetic variations translate into an additional tier of diversity which results in stable epialleles. In recent years, studies have been conducted on epigenetic variation in natural populations related to various biological processes, ecological factors, communities, and habitats. With the advent of advanced NGS-based technologies, epigenetic studies targeting plants in diverse environments have increased manifold to enhance our understanding of epigenetic responses to environmental stimuli in facilitating plant fitness. Taking all points together in a frame, the present review is a compilation of present-day knowledge and understanding of the role of epigenetics and its fitness benefits in diverse ecological systems in natural populations.
ISSN:2296-634X
2296-634X
DOI:10.3389/fcell.2022.1020958