Role of 6mA in the Regulation of Metabolic Biosynthesis in Sorghum Callus

Plant
cell culture technology helps to obtain natural plant-derived
metabolites. The callus of sorghum, a prominent cereal crop, possesses
various metabolites with potential health benefits. However, the epigenetic
mechanism regulating metabolic biosynthetic capabilities in sorghum
remains unknown. Therefore, we conducted N6-methyladenine (6mA) methylome
analysis using transcriptome profiling and metabolome analysis to
investigate the role of 6mA alterations in two calluses having different
biosynthetic capacities, which were derived from immature sorghum
embryos. Our findings indicate that the 6mA upregulation within gene
bodies is crucial in transcriptional activity potentially mediated
by the DNA demethylase SbALKBH1. Furthermore, 6mA was significantly
enriched in genes involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids and isoflavonoids.
This could serve as a novel source of bioactive compounds for human
health. Thus, 6mA could play an essential role in flavonoid biosynthesis
in the sorghum callus.