CHIP-Seq analysis of dormant and sprouting buds

Sprouting of overwintering buds is an important biological process in tea plants (Camellia sinensis) that determines spring shoot yield and economic benefits. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone marks, are known to regulate bud break; however, their precise mechanisms in tea dormancy release remain unclear. Here, the distinct dormancy phases of tea buds were delineated through histological observations, transcriptome profiling, ChIP-seq analyses of two histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K27ac) and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing revealing a dynamic coordination between CHH hypomethylation, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac in the activation of genes critical for sprouting.