Epigenetic variation in maize agronomical traits for breeding and trait improvement

Daolei Zhang; Yujun Gan; Liang Le; Li Pu

doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.006

Volume 52 Issue 3

Mar. 2025

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Article Navigation > Journal of Genetics and Genomics > 2025 > 52(3): 307-318

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Epigenetic variation in maize agronomical traits for breeding and trait improvement

doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.006

a. Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China;
b. School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China

Funds:

D Program of China (2023ZD0407304), the Sci-Tech Innovation 2030 Agenda (2022ZD0115703), and Fundamental Research Funds for Central Non-Profit of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Y2023PT20).

This work was supported by funding from the National Key R&

Received Date: 2023-12-04
Accepted Date: 2024-01-29
Rev Recd Date: 2024-01-28

Available Online: 2025-07-11

Publish Date: 2024-02-03

Abstract

Abstract

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.
- Epibreeding,
- Epigenetic variation,
- Agronomical traits,
- Epigenome editing,
- Synthetic epigenetics

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References(146)

References

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