Methylation Analysis of CpG Islands in Pineapple SERK1 Promoter

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a more rapid and controllable method for plant propagation than traditional breeding methods. However, it often suffers from limited efficiency. <i>SERK1</i> promotes SE in several plants, including pineapple (<i>Ananas comosus</i> L.). We investigate the embryonic cell-specific transcriptional regulation of <i>AcSERK1</i> by methylation analysis of CpG islands in <i>AcSERK1</i> regulatory sequences. This revealed differences in the methylation status of CpG islands between embryonic callus and non-embryonic callus; the methylation inhibitor 5-azaC increased <i>AcSERK1</i> expression and also accelerated SE. These findings indicate that the expression of <i>AcSERK1</i> is regulated epigenetically. This study lays the foundation for further analysis of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that may enhance the efficiency of SE in pineapple and other plants.