In these challenging times for America’s cotton farmers, characterized by plummeting prices and erratic weather patterns, hope emerges from pioneering research led by Z. Jeffrey Chen at The University of Texas at Austin. Chen and his team are spearheading a breakthrough approach to breeding robust and high-yielding cotton varieties, leveraging epigenetic modification.
Exploring beyond traditional genetics, the researchers delve into the realm of epigenetics, discovering that traits in living organisms are not solely governed by DNA but also by external processes dictating gene expression. By manipulating gene expression without altering the genetic code, breeders can potentially enhance desired traits like fiber yield and resilience to environmental stresses.
Through extensive analysis, the team identifies over 500 epigenetically modified genes between wild and domesticated cotton varieties, offering insights into agronomic traits crucial for breeding programs. This understanding could facilitate the reactivation of advantageous genes in domesticated cotton, enhancing stress responses and productivity.
Published in Genome Biology, their study unveils a comprehensive methylome—a record of genes affected by DNA methylation—across various cotton species, shedding light on evolutionary shifts and domestication processes spanning millions of years. Crucially, they highlight that the transition of cotton from tropical to global adaptability was primarily driven by epigenetic alterations rather than genetic mutations.
Chen underscores the potential of modifying gene methylation using technologies like CRISPR/Cas9, heralding a new era of targeted epigenetic breeding not only for cotton but also for staple crops like wheat, canola, and corn.
This groundbreaking research builds upon previous genetic sequencing efforts, offering breeders a deeper understanding of cotton's evolutionary journey and ensuring that changes made today endure through future generations. Chen’s collaborators, including researchers from Texas A&M University and Nanjing Agricultural University, have contributed to this pivotal study funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
For more information, here's an article by the University of Texas at Austin.
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