Reshaped DNA Methylation Cooperating with Homoeolog-Divergent Expression Promotes Improved Root Traits in Synthesized Tetraploid Wheat

This study explores how DNA methylation and gene expression changes in synthesized tetraploid wheat (SlSlAA) enhance root traits and nitrogen use efficiency. Researchers found that tetraploidization induces global DNA hypomethylation, especially in the CHH context, and reconfigures the transcriptome, leading to significant changes in gene expression. These epigenetic modifications, particularly in promoter regions and MYB transcription factor binding sites, upregulate genes involved in root hair elongation and nitrogen uptake. The study identified 18,845 orthologous gene pairs, with notable transcriptional changes in 4,314 pairs post-tetraploidization. The findings underscore the role of reshaped DNA methylation and homoeolog-divergent expression in developing valuable phenotypes for crop improvement, such as enhanced root growth and nitrogen assimilation in tetraploid wheat.