Genome-wide DNA methylation maps during rehydration in gametophores of Physcomitrella patens.. Physcomitrium patens

To examine the P. patens genome-wide methylation landscape and assess its functional significance during dehydration, we generated the first single-base resolution genome methylation maps for P. patens gametophores of hydrated (HD), moderate dehydrated (MDH), severe dehydrated (SDH), partially recovered (PRE) and fully recovered (FRE). The overall density of methyl-cytosine was not broadly altered by dehydration and recovery. There is, however, a small increase in intensity both for the whole genome and regionally during MDH and FRE. Only 225 differentially expressed genes were located in differentially methylated regions (DMRs) during the dehydration-recovery cycle. The finding may provide an important clue for exploring molecular mechanisms and the regulation of desiccation tolerance at the whole-genome level. Overall design: Examination of DNA methylation by BS-Seq in hydrated (HD), moderate dehydrated (MDH), severe dehydrated (SDH), partially recovered (PRE) and fully recovered (FRE) gametophores of P. patens.