Reorganization of three-dimensional chromatin architecture in Medicago truncatula under phosphorus deficiency

Emerging evidence reveals that the three-dimensional (3D) chromatin architecture plays a key regulatory role in various biological processes of plants. However, information on the 3D chromatin architecture of the legume model plant Medicago truncatula and its potential roles in the regulation of response to mineral nutrient deficiency are very limited. Using high-resolution chromosome conformation capture sequencing, we identified the 3D genome structure of M. truncatula in terms of A/B compartments, topologically associated domains (TADs) and chromatin loops. The gene density, expressional level, and active histone modification were higher in A compartments than in B compartments. Moreover, we analysed the 3D chromatin architecture reorganization in response to phosphorus (P) deficiency. The intra-chromosomal cis-interaction proportion was increased by P deficiency, and a total of 748 A/B compartment switch regions were detected. In these regions, density changes in H3K4me3 and H3K27ac modifications were associated with expression of P deficiency-responsive genes involved in root system architecture and hormonal responses. Furthermore, these genes enhanced P uptake and mobilization by increasing root surface area and strengthening signal transduction under P deficiency. These findings advance our understanding of the potential roles of 3D chromatin architecture in responses of plants in general, and in particular in M. truncatula, to P deficiency. Reorganization of the 3D chromatin architecture is associated with transcriptional regulation to enhance phosphorus uptake and mobilization in Medicago truncatulaunder phosphorus deficiency.

Automated summary

Emerging evidence suggests that the 3D chromatin architecture plays a crucial role in various biological processes in plants. However, little is known about the 3D chromatin architecture of the legume Medicago truncatula and its role in response to mineral nutrient deficiency. In this study, using high-resolution chromosome conformation capture sequencing, the 3D genome structure of M. truncatula was identified, and its reorganization under phosphorus deficiency was analyzed. The findings reveal that the reorganization of 3D chromatin architecture is associated with transcriptional regulation to enhance phosphorus uptake and mobilization in Medicago truncatula.