Genetic and epigenetic variation in transposable element expression responses to abiotic stress in maize

• DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab073
• Publication Date: 2021-02-16T20:17:35Z
• Authors: Zhikai Liang; Sarah N Anderson; Jaclyn M Noshay; Peter A Crisp; Tara A Enders; Nathan M Springer
• Keywords: Inbred strain

Abstract Transposable elements (TEs) pervade most eukaryotic genomes. The repetitive nature of TEs complicates the analysis their expression. Evaluation expression both TE families (using unique and multi-mapping reads) specific uniquely mapping in leaf tissue three maize (Zea mays) inbred lines subjected to heat or cold stress reveals no evidence for genome-wide activation TEs; however, some generate transcripts only conditions. There is substantial variation which exhibit stress-responsive different genotypes. In order understand factors that drive TEs, we focused on a subset could monitor individual elements. family can often be attributed small number contains regions lacking DNA methylation. Comparisons genotypes revealed genetic epigenetic variation. Many are activated one not present other inbred, explaining lack activation. Among shared genomes but expressed genotype, found many differences methylation such genotype without fully methylated. This study provides insights into regulation normal conditions highlights role chromatin between contributing highly Although expressed, exhibits certain tissues We monitored stress. While did occur, generated with by genotype. To better cases, was family. contained showed enriched while methylated were rarely control cause varied due inbred. genomes, full inhibited