Intertwined evolution of plant epigenomes and genomes

Abstract

DNA methylation is found across eukaryotes; however, plants have evolved patterns and pathways of DNA methylation that are distinct from animals and fungi. DNA methylation shapes the evolution of genomes through its direct roles in transposon silencing, gene expression, genome stability, and its impact on mutation rates. In return the diversity of DNA methylation across species is shaped by genome sequence evolution. Extensive diversification of key DNA methylation pathways has continued in plants through gene duplication and loss. Meanwhile, frequent movement of transposons has altered local DNA methylation patterns and the genes affected. Only recently has the diversity and evolutionary history of plant DNA methylation become evident with the availability of increasing genomic and epigenomic data. However, much remains unresolved regarding the evolutionary forces that have shaped the dynamics of the complex and intertwined history of plant genome and epigenome evolution.