2025-06-05
Plants, Vol. 14, Pages 1735: Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of DNA Methyltransferase and Demethylase Gene Families in Sweet Potato and Its Diploid Relative
Songtao Yang, Shuai Qiao, Yan Yang, Fang Wang, Wei Song, Wenfang Tan, Yongping Li, Youlin Zhu
DNA methylation is a conserved and vital epigenetic modification that plays essential roles in plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress. Cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferases (C5-MTases) and DNA demethylases (dMTases) are key regulators of DNA methylation dynamics. However, a comprehensive characterization of these gene families in sweet potato has remained elusive. In this study, we systematically identified and analyzed eight C5-MTase and five dMTase genes in the genomes of diploid (Ipomoea trifida, 2n = 2x = 30) and autohexaploid (Ipomoea batatas, 2n = 6x = 90) sweet potato. Phylogenetic, structural, and synteny analyses revealed a high degree of conservation among these genes, suggesting their essential roles during evolution. Promoter analysis uncovered multiple cis-acting elements, particularly those responsive to light and hormones. In addition, we examined the expression profiling of IbC5-MTases and IbdMTases genes during storage root development, revealing that several were highly expressed during the early and rapid expansion stages. These findings suggest that C5-MTases and dMTases may contribute to the regulation of storage root formation in sweet potato through epigenetic mechanisms, offering valuable insights for future functional studies and epigenetic breeding efforts.