Epigenetic reprogramming drives the annual growth–dormancy cycle in Populus

The seasonal growth-dormancy cycle is a critical adaptive trait that enables perennials from boreal and temperate regions to survive winter. This cycle is largely governed by spatiotemporal gene activity in the shoot apex, where chromatin states dynamically respond to seasonal environmental cues. However, the chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying this response remain poorly understood. Here, we characterize chromatin dynamics in Populus shoot meristems across 5 key stages of the annual growth-dormancy cycle. By integrating data on chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, and transcriptomic dynamics, we reveal stage-specific and distinct (proximal-distal) chromatin reprogramming events that closely…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 31971676, 32271824
• FR
  Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

  Award: 2662024YLPY009