Epigenetic regulation plays a central role in shaping plant phenotypic variation, influencing gene expression, development, environmental responses, and evolutionary processes, all without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Key epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and chromatin remodeling. These modifications govern gene expression patterns and are increasingly recognized for their potential in developing crops with enhanced resilience to environmental, abiotic, and biotic stresses. Recent technological advancements such as genome-wide profiling of DNA and histone modifications and the advent of genome editing have enabled deep exploration of plant epigenomes. These tools have improved our understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms dynamically interact with genetic programs to shape plant traits.
In support of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2: Zero Hunger), BMC Plant Biology launches the Collection Plant epigenetic regulation. We invite original research articles that explore all aspects of plant epigenetic regulation, particularly in the contexts of development, environmental stress adaptation, evolution, and sustainable agriculture. This Collection aims to showcase cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of epigenetic processes in plants and their potential applications in agriculture and food security. We invite researchers and experts in the field to submit research articles that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in plants
- Epigenetic control of plant development and stress adaptation
- Genome-wide mapping of plant epigenomes and methylomes
- Mechanisms of DNA methylation and demethylation in plants
- Functional roles of histone modifications in plants
- Inheritance and transgenerational effects of epigenetic variation
- Epigenetic contributions to plant evolution and diversification
- Non-coding RNAs and their roles in gene regulation
- RNA silencing and its epigenetic implications
- Polycomb-group proteins in developmental regulation
- Chromatin structure, remodeling, and nucleosome dynamics
- miRNAs and siRNAs in RNA-directed DNA methylation and gene silencing
- Epigenetic regulation in sexual and asexual (somatic) propagation
- Chromatin assembly factors and nucleosome organizers in epigenetic control
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
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