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. Overall design: Bisulfite sequencing and mRNA sequencing on plants exposed to heat stress in previous generations, as well as the controls