Epigenetic Modifications in Plants – Impact on Phospholipid Signaling and Secondary Metabolism

Abstract

Plants are considered as the "masters" of epigenetic regulation. Being exposed to many environmental factors during the vegetation period, they, have developed mechanisms on the molecular level that help them rapidly and reversibly change their epigenetic status and survive environmental stress. Recent studies document the importance of epigenetic control in plant responses to environmental stress through changes in gene activity and expression, resulting in metabolic pathways modifications as well. This brief review focuses on epigenetic modifications induced by an abiotic stress and on the effects of changes in phospholipid signalling, especially concerning the formation of secondary metabolites in plants.

Mechanisms of Plant Epigenetic Regulation in Response to Plant Stress: Recent Discoveries and Implications

“…Comprehending the intricacies and operations that differentiate the two forms of epigenetic inheritance holds great significance. This area of research is particularly fascinating because stress can stimulate stress-signaling pathways which enhance stress gene responses; this knowledge can also be used to develop strategies for improving crop yield, quality, and stress resistance, which are benefiting agriculture and the ecosystem [ 5 , 6 ]. Plants use epigenetic regulation to enhance immunity and variation during pathogen and pest interactions [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”