Unique epigenetic states in plant stem cell niches for safeguarding genome integrity

植物干细胞是所有植物生长发育的基础细胞，包括生殖细胞的产生。因此，干细胞抵御可能破坏基因组的攻击至关重要。在植物干细胞生态位中发现了一种独特的表观遗传状态，这种状态可能会保护基因组免受寄生DNA元素的破坏。利用先进的基因组学、遗传学和细胞技术，该项目将研究干细胞表观遗传状态如何与基因组防御联系在一起，环境压力如何扰乱防御系统，以及该系统在推动新的遗传多样性方面的作用。随着农作物进入一个条件日益严峻的时代，这一知识具有非常重要的意义。

Plant stem cells are the foundation cells of all plant growth and development, including generation of the reproductive cells. Therefore, it is critical that stem cells defend against attacks that may damage the genome. A unique epigenetic state in plant stem cell niches has been discovered that may protect the genome from damage due to parasitic DNA elements. Using sophisticated genomics, genetics, and cellular technologies, this project will investigate how stem cell epigenetic state is linked to genome defence, how environmental stresses can disrupt the defence system, and the role of the system in driving new genetic diversity. This knowledge is of high importance as agricultural crops enter an era of increasingly challenging conditions.