Hong, S.-c., Jeon, K., & Kang, K.-s. (2025). Stage- and Tissue-Specific Expression of MET1 and CMT2 Genes During Germination in Abies koreana E.H.Wilson. Forests, 16(2), 337. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020337
Abstract
Abies koreana E.H.Wilson (Korean fir), an endangered high-altitude conifer native to South Korea, is facing severe population decline due to climate change and low germination rates. While ecological factors have been studied, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying its seed development are still poorly understood. DNA methylation, regulated by MET1 and CMT2, plays a critical role in the stability of gene expression during seed development. This study investigates the expression patterns of MET1 and CMT2 across 12 developmental stages, from pre-germination to post-germination, with a focus on shoot and root tissues. RNA-seq data were analyzed to identify MET1 and CMT2, and expression patterns were validated using RT-qPCR. MET1 showed high sequence conservation with conifers such as Pinus sylvestris, indicating potential conservation of CG methylation mechanisms among conifer species. CMT2 showed lower sequence conservation across species, indicating reduced evolutionary conservation compared to MET1. Tissue-specific analysis showed MET1 being predominantly active in shoots during cotyledon development, while CMT2 was upregulated in roots at later stages. These findings highlight the dynamic and tissue-specific roles of DNA methylation in the seed development of A. koreana, contributing to a better understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in its germination and early growth.