The molecular basis for epigenetic inheritance of trichome patterning in Mimulus

miulus毛状体模式表观遗传的分子基础本项目将促进我们对表观遗传的理解。表观遗传是指除遗传外，环境效应对后代的传递。由于这种现象与农业遗传学和人类疾病都有牵连，因此迫切需要研究表观遗传传播。表观遗传标记在正常人类发育过程中干细胞的分化、发育的中断、肥胖或癌症的倾向以及微生物的毒力中起着至关重要的作用。在许多情况下，这些标记是由环境因素引起的，如饮食、温度、化学品暴露和产妇护理。本项目的目的是研究一种模式物种的模式性状：黄猴花（Mimulus guttatus）的毛数的表观遗传学。毛状体是帮助植物抵御天敌的叶毛。它们很容易得分，并对环境刺激提供可重复的反应，并通过表观遗传传递给后代。广泛的前期工作使该系统非常适合于表观遗传的机制研究。特别是，研究人员将确定DNA甲基化是否对毛状体模式的表观遗传传递负责。该项目代表了跨越生态学、进化、发育、基因组学和分子生物学边界的综合研究。该项目还包含大量的教育内容，特别侧重于招募美洲土著学生进行科学研究

PI: John KellycoPIs: Lena Hileman, Alison ScovilleIOS-0951254 The Molecular Basis for Epigenetic Inheritance of Trichome Patterning in MimulusThis project will advance our understanding of epigenetic inheritance. Epigenetic inheritance refers to the transmission of environmental effects to offspring, distinctly and in addition to genetic inheritance. There is a critical need to study epigenetic transmission because this phenomenon has been implicated in both agricultural genetics and human disease. Epigenetic markers play a crucial role in the differentiation of stem cells during normal human development, the disruption of development, the propensity to develop obesity or cancer, and the virulence of microbes. In many cases, these markers are induced by environmental factors such as diet, temperature, chemical exposure, and maternal care. The objective of this project is to investigate the epigenetics of a model trait in a model species: trichome number in Mimulus guttatus (yellow monkeyflower). Trichomes are leaf hairs that help to defend the plant from natural enemies. They are easily scored and provide a repeatable response to environmental stimulus that is epigenetically transmitted to progeny. Extensive prior work makes this system well suited to the mechanistic study of epigenetic inheritance. In particular, the researchers will determine whether DNA methylation is responsible for epigenetic transmission of trichome patterning. This project represents integrative research that crosses the boundaries of ecology, evolution, development, genomics, and molecular biology. There is also a substantial educational component to the project with a particular focus on the recruitment of Native American students into scientific research