Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 255-265 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 262 improvement by directly targeting the epigenetic machinery to achieve rapid and heritable changes in gene expression (Figure 3) (Akhter et al., 2021; Gupta and Salgotra, 2022). Figure 3 Epigenetic Regulatory Networks in Crop Development and Responses to Abiotic Stress (Adapted from Akhter et al., 2021) Image caption: The figure introduces two main layers of epigenetic modifications: DNA methylation and RNA biogenesis. DNA methylation is regulated through maintenance pathways (involving MET1, CMT3, etc.) and de novo methylation pathways (regulated by DRM2). RNA biogenesis controls gene silencing through the production of miRNAs (microRNAs) and siRNAs (small interfering RNAs), which mediate post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) and transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). The RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway further promotes DNA methylation, maintaining gene expression regulation (Adapted from Akhter et al., 2021) Akhter et al. (2021) explored how crops such as wheat respond to abiotic stress and control developmental stages through epigenetic modifications. These epigenetic modifications not only regulate gene expression but also ensure crop adaptability to various environmental conditions. DNA methylation and small RNA generation are key pathways in maintaining epigenetic plasticity, enabling rapid responses to abiotic stress through RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms. This regulatory mechanism of epigenetics provides powerful tools for crop improvement, particularly in enhancing stress resistance by modulating gene expression in the face of climate change and adverse environmental conditions. 8 Future Development Directions of Wheat Epigenetics 8.1 Application of emerging technologies in wheat epigenetics research Emerging technologies in the field of epigenetics hold significant promise for advancing wheat crop improvement. High-throughput sequencing technologies, such as whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, have enabled the detailed mapping of DNA methylation patterns across the wheat genome, providing insights into the epigenetic regulation of gene expression (Kapazoglou et al., 2018; Fu, 2024). Additionally, CRISPR/Cas9-based epigenome editing tools are being developed to target specific epigenetic marks, allowing for precise manipulation of gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence (Álvarez-Venegas and De-la-Peña, 2016). These technologies can be used to create novel epialleles that confer desirable traits such as increased stress tolerance and improved yield (Saraswat et al., 2017). The integration of these advanced tools into wheat breeding programs could accelerate the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding wheat varieties (Varotto et al., 2020; Kakoulidou et al., 2021). 8.2 Epigenetic regulation and response to environmental changes Wheat plants are constantly exposed to various environmental stresses, including drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, which can significantly impact their growth and productivity. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, play crucial roles in mediating plant responses to these stresses (Kong et al., 2020). For instance, DNA methylation changes have been associated with the regulation of stress-responsive genes, enabling wheat plants to adapt to adverse conditions (Agarwal et al.,
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