Epigenetic chromatin modifications in barley after mutagenic treatment

J Appl Genet. 2014 Nov;55(4):449-56. doi: 10.1007/s13353-014-0226-9. Epub 2014 Jun 18.

Abstract

In addition to their normal developmental processes, plants have evolved complex genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms to cope with various environmental stresses. It has been shown that both DNA methylation and histone modifications are involved in DNA damage response to various types of stresses. In this study, we focused on the involvement of two mutagenic agents, chemical (maleic acid hydrazide; MH) and physical (gamma rays), on the global epigenetic modifications of chromatin in barley. Our results indicate that both mutagens strongly influence the level of histone methylation and acetylation. Moreover, we found that gamma irradiation, in contrast to MH, has a more robust influence on the DNA methylation level. This is the first study that brings together mutagenic treatment along with its impact at the level of epigenetic modifications examined using the immunohistochemical method.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Chromatin / drug effects*
  • Chromatin / radiation effects*
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects
  • DNA Methylation / radiation effects
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / drug effects*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / radiation effects*
  • Gamma Rays / adverse effects*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / radiation effects
  • Herbicides / toxicity
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Hordeum / drug effects
  • Hordeum / genetics*
  • Hordeum / growth & development
  • Hordeum / radiation effects
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Maleic Hydrazide / toxicity*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Herbicides
  • Histones
  • Maleic Hydrazide