Prediction of DNA Methylation Marks and Related Gene Expression Pattern in Contrasting Rice Genotypes under Drought Stress

摘要

In plants, methylation of CpG (5'-C-phosphate-G-3') sites within the promoters of genes is an important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression in response to environmental conditions. In this study, an attempt has been made to identify the DNA methylation marks (CpG Island) in the upstream regions of certain drought responsive genes. Based on the number of CpG Islands, the expression pattern of selected genes in upland rice cultivar was studied by RT-PCR. Furthermore, the effect of a methylation inhibitor was studied on two contrasting rice cultivars AC39020 and BPT5204. These initial findings suggest a possible correlation between gene expression and DNA methylation in rice under stress.