Analysis of role of DNA methylation-related genes by creating knockdown lines in Nicotiana tabacum

Nicotiana tabacum is an allotetraploid with a known ancestral species and has been used as a model plant especially to create transformants. However, analysis of epigenetical mechanisms is not enough in tobacco. These analysis were done mainly in Arabidopsis thaliana. Therefore, we tried creating knockdown lines of DNA methylation-related genes in N. tabacum, then analyze the regulation of gene expression by DNA methylation and its biological role using Genetic engineering. Aim of the study is accumulate knowledge on DNA methylation in N. tabacum, which has been attracting attention as a platform for material production, and to improve its biological and agronomic value.