Epigenetic variation in maize agronomical traits for breeding and trait improvement

• Published in: Journal of genetics and genomics Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 307 - 318
• Main Authors: Zhang, Daolei, Gan, Yujun, Le, Liang, Pu, Li
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2025
• Subjects: agricultural productivity; Agronomical traits; chromatin; corn; CRISPR-Cas Systems; crop yield; Crops, Agricultural - genetics; DNA; Epibreeding; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenetic variation; epigenetics; epigenome; Epigenome editing; Gene Editing; gene expression; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Genetic Variation; genomics; histone code; non-coding RNA; Plant Breeding - methods; Quantitative Trait Loci; Quantitative Trait, Heritable; Synthetic epigenetics; Zea mays - genetics; Zea mays - growth & development; Synthetic epigenetics; Epigenome editing; Epigenetic variation; Epibreeding; Agronomical traits
• ISSN: 1673-8527
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.006

Epigenetics-mediated breeding (epibreeding) involves engineering crop traits and stress responses through the targeted manipulation of key epigenetic features to enhance agricultural productivity. While conventional breeding methods raise concerns about reduced genetic diversity, epibreeding propels crop improvement through epigenetic variations that regulate gene expression, ultimately impacting crop yield. Epigenetic regulation in crops encompasses various modes, including histone modification, DNA modification, RNA modification, non-coding RNA, and chromatin remodeling. This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms underlying major agronomic traits in maize and identifies candidate epigenetic landmarks in the maize breeding process. We propose a valuable strategy for improving maize yield through epibreeding, combining CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing technology and Synthetic Epigenetics (SynEpi). Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with maize trait improvement through epibreeding.