Affiliation:
1. Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro Campos dos Goytacazes RJ Brazil
2. Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
3. Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro Campos dos Goytacazes RJ Brazil
4. Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro Campos dos Goytacazes RJ Brazil
5. Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Plantas, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
6. Laboratório de Melhoramento Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro Campos dos Goytacazes RJ Brazil
7. Laboratório de Genética e Biotecnologia, Departamento de Biologia Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora Juiz de Fora Brazil
Abstract
AbstractGenomic DNA methylation patterns play a crucial role in the developmental processes of plants and mammals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the significant effects of epigenetic mechanisms on the development of soybean seedlings and metabolic pathways. Our analyses show that 5‐azaC‐treatment affects radicle development from two Days After Imbibition (DAI), as well as both shoot and root development. We examined the expression levels of key genes related to DNA methylation and demethylation pathways, such as DRM2, which encodes RNA‐directed DNA Methylation (RdDM) pathway, SAM synthase, responsible for methyl group donation, and ROS1, a DNA demethylase. In treated seedling roots, we observed an increase in DRM2 expression and a decrease in ROS1 expression. Additionally, 5‐azaC treatment altered protein accumulation, indicating epigenetic control over stress response while inhibiting nitrogen assimilation, urea cycle, and glycolysis‐related proteins. Furthermore, it influenced the levels of various phytohormones and metabolites crucial for seedling growth, such as ABA, IAA, ethylene, polyamines (PUT and Cad), and free amino acids, suggesting that epigenetic changes may shape soybean responses to pathogens, abiotic stress, and nutrient absorption. Our results assist in understanding how hypomethylation shapes soybean responses to pathogens, abiotic stress, and nutrient absorption crucial for seedling growth, suggesting that the plant's assimilation of carbon and nitrogen, along with hormone pathways, may be influenced by epigenetic changes.
Funder
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro