Epigenetic modification associated with climate regulates betulin biosynthesis in birch

Abstract The Betula genus contains pentacyclic triterpenoid betulin known for its environmental adaptation and medicinal properties. However, the mechanisms underlying biosynthesis responding to climate change remain unclear. In this study, role of epigenetic modification (DNA methylation) in was examined how climatic factors influence it. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing performed greenhouse-grown Chinese white birch ( platyphylla Sukaczev) treated with DNA methylation inhibitor zebularine (ZEB) a natural population Northeast China. ZEB treatment significantly affected CHH level transposable elements content hormesis dose-dependent manner. expression bHLH9, key transcriptional factor controlling biosynthesis, were also consistently by as hormetic dose–response. population, there positive correlation between promoter bHLH9 summer precipitation, while winter temperature negatively correlated. Thus climate-dependent regulates downstream genes involved biosynthesis. This study highlights signals induce changes that result production, possibly helping develop resilient plants combat ongoing enhance secondary metabolite production.