Variation in gene expression and DNA methylation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) adaptation
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Wetteri auditorium (IT115)
Topic of the dissertation
Variation in gene expression and DNA methylation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) adaptation
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science Emmi Alakärppä
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Science, Ecology and genetics research unit
Subject of study
Plant physiology
Opponent
Professor Carl Gunnar Fossdal , Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)
Custos
Docent Soile Jokipii-Lukkari, University of Oulu
Variation in gene expression and DNA methylation in Scots pine adaptation
Scots pine is a coniferous tree, which is widespread in Northern Hemisphere. However, it is sensitive to sudden changes in the environment. Previous studies have shown that epigenetic modifications can help plants to quickly adapt to environmental changes. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, affect the regulation of genes and eventually contribute to the growth and fitness of plants. This thesis sheds light on the epigenetic regulation and expression variation of genes in forest trees.
This thesis explored the effects of variation in gene expression and epigenetic modifications on the adaptation of Scots pine. Firstly, differences in growth characteristics and gene expression were studied in Scots pines of southern and northern origins under different light conditions. Secondly, variation in gene expression levels and epigenetic modifications were examined in adaptation-related genes between Scots pine forests.
The results showed that there were differences in the expression levels of the studied genes between Scots pines of southern and northern origins under different light conditions, as well as between southern and northern Scots pine forests. It was concluded that differential gene expression and DNA methylation variation contribute to the growth and adaptation of Scots pine. The differences in gene expression levels in the forests can be due to changes in DNA methylation. In addition, the results suggest that epigenetic changes can be inherited from the maternal parent to the progeny.
This thesis explored the effects of variation in gene expression and epigenetic modifications on the adaptation of Scots pine. Firstly, differences in growth characteristics and gene expression were studied in Scots pines of southern and northern origins under different light conditions. Secondly, variation in gene expression levels and epigenetic modifications were examined in adaptation-related genes between Scots pine forests.
The results showed that there were differences in the expression levels of the studied genes between Scots pines of southern and northern origins under different light conditions, as well as between southern and northern Scots pine forests. It was concluded that differential gene expression and DNA methylation variation contribute to the growth and adaptation of Scots pine. The differences in gene expression levels in the forests can be due to changes in DNA methylation. In addition, the results suggest that epigenetic changes can be inherited from the maternal parent to the progeny.
Last updated: 23.1.2024