The epigenetic evolution of rice

Rice was a rare crop with wild ancestor and de-domestication (feralization) populations. But we have poor knowledge of epigenetic contribution to domestication and feralization for rice. Here we generated single-base resolution methylomes for rice and relatives accessions, including cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) and weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea). We found different regions were influenced by domestication and feralization, though they were opposite evolution process. Moreover, epigenetic and genetic evolutions were similar on the whole genome, but a large of special variations of methylome contributed to gene expression and binding of transcription factors, which were along with open chromatin state. Collectively, our research provides a comprehensive resource for the understanding of domestication and feralization, and will be helpful for improving rice yields.