Phenotypic response and epigenetic-associated changes in transgenic tobacco (N. tabacum cv. xanthi nc) to CchGLP gene from C. chinense Jacq. grown under Aluminium and Cadmium stress

The CchGLP gene, from Capsicum chinense BG-3821 expressed in Nicotiana tabacum c.v. Xanthi nc has shown to be a source of resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. This work aimed to investigate the response during germination and early stages of root development of the transgenic tobacco line L8 (highly expressing CchGLP) and an azygous control (L1, harbouring but not expressing CchGLP) under aluminium (Al) and cadmium (Cd) stress, as well as the association of epigenetic changes with these responses. The CpG DNA methylation levels and sRNA-seq to find differential expression of miRNAs were analysed for L1 and L8.