Effects of an active transpon on the rice epigenome

We identified an active transposon mPing in the rice genome. mPing is still actively transposing in several japonica landraces under natural growth conditions. Like other transposons, mPing is epigenetically methylated by the host defense mechanism. Nevertheless, mPing can render adjacent genes stress inducible. Final goal of this project is to elucidate the effects of mPing on the rice epigenome. Furthermore, based on the findings in this project, we aim to establish new breeding techniques.