The Epigenetic Nexus: Unraveling the Role of Histone Modifications in Plant Long-Term Adaptation to Abiotic Stress
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/jfxq2r34Keywords:
Epigenetics, Histone Modifications, Heat Stress, Stress Memory, Transgenerational Inheritance, H3K4me3, H3K9ac, H3K27me3Abstract
Global climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, posing a significant threat to global food security and natural ecosystem stability. While plants possess intricate immediate stress response mechanisms, there is growing and compelling evidence that they can also transmit a "memory" of stress exposure to their progeny, leading to improved resilience in subsequent generations. This transgenerational inheritance is largely governed by epigenetic mechanisms, which regulate gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Among these, histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs) have emerged as pivotal players in orchestrating dynamic and heritable transcriptional reprogramming. This review synthesizes and critically evaluates the current state of knowledge on the role of specific HPTMs—including acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination—in mediating plant responses to drought, salinity, and heat stress. We provide a detailed exploration of how complex stress signals are decoded into specific histone marks at stress-responsive genes, such as those involved in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, osmoprotectant synthesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the molecular evidence for the stability and heritability of these epigenetic marks through mitotic and, more controversially, meiotic cell divisions. We also dedicate significant discussion to the intricate crosstalk between different histone modifications and with other epigenetic pathways, particularly DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Finally, we synthesize this information into an updated "epigenetic nexus" model where histone modifications act as master integrators of environmental cues to fine-tune the critical trade-off between growth and stress defense. We conclude by highlighting the translational potential and the significant technical and conceptual challenges of harnessing this sophisticated epigenetic toolkit for developing the next generation of climate-resilient, high-yielding crops in a sustainable manner.
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