Recurring heat waves affect DNA methylation to reduce respirational losses, enhancing heat tolerance Arabidopsis thaliana [Bisulfite-seq]

we investigated the effect of exposing 4 successive generations of Arabidopsis thaliana to severe heatwave conditions. We show that heat-primed offspring has increased survival rates and seed production after exposure to heat wave conditions. Bisulfite sequencing allowed us to link this to altered DNA methylation, including a global hypomethylation of the mitochondrial DNA. mRNA sequencing showed that priming affected genes related to the mitochondrial energy system and oxidative stress responses. Bisulfite sequencing and mRNA sequencing on plants exposed to heat stress in previous generations, as well as the controls