Epigenetics is defined as changes in gene expression that are not associated with changes in DNA sequence but due to the result of methylation of DNA and post-translational modifications to the histones. These epigenetic modifications are known to regulate gene expression by bringing changes in the chromatin state, which underlies plant development and shapes phenotypic plasticity in responses to the environment and internal cues. This review articulates the role of histone modifications and DNA methylation in modulating biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as crop improvement. It also highlights the possibility of engineering epigenomes and epigenome-based predictive models for improving agronomic traits.

表观遗传学被定义为基因表达的改变，与DNA序列的改变无关，而是由于DNA的甲基化和组蛋白的翻译后修饰所致。已知这些表观遗传修饰通过使染色质状态发生变化来调节基因表达，染色质状态发生变化是植物发育的基础，并响应环境和内部线索而影响表型可塑性。这篇评论阐明了组蛋白修饰和DNA甲基化在调节生物和非生物胁迫以及作物改良中的作用。它还强调了工程表观基因组和基于表观基因组的预测模型改善农艺性状的可能性。