Genomic imprinting regulates establishment and release of seed dormancy

Seed dormancy enables plant seeds to time germination until environmental conditions become favorable for seedling sur-vival. This trait has high adaptive value and is of great agri-cultural relevance. The endosperm is a reproductive tissue formed after fertilization that in addition to support embryo growth has major roles in establishing seed dormancy. Many genes adopt parent-of-origin specific expression patterns in the endosperm, a phenomenon that has been termed genomic imprinting. Imprinted genes are targeted by epigenetic mech-anisms acting before and after fertilization. Recent studies revealed that imprinted genes are involved in establishing seed dormancy, highlighting a new mechanism of parental control over this adaptive trait. Here, we review the regulatory mech-anisms establishing genomic imprinting and their effect on seed dormancy.

Automated summary

Seed dormancy is an important adaptive trait that allows plant seeds to germinate at the right environmental conditions for survival. The endosperm, a reproductive tissue formed after fertilization, plays a crucial role in establishing seed dormancy. Recent studies have shown that imprinted genes are involved in this process, revealing a new mechanism of parental control over this adaptive trait.