Generation of epigenetic variability in the potato cultivar Spunta using a desmethylating agent.

CORNEJO P.; MARFIL C. F.; MASUELLI R. W.

Congreso; SAIB- L Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; 2014

Changes in DNA sequences are not the only responsible for the observed variability, epigenetic changes as DNA methylation alters chromatin structure and gene expression. Established varieties of potato (Solanum tuberosum) are genotypes that have a narrow genetic base, making progress in potato improving slow and often accompanied by deterioration of characters. Modify the methylation pattern of potato cultivars commercially important as Spunta, is an alternative to generate epigenetic variability useful for potato breeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of demethylating AzaC (azacitidine) on the generation of new epigenetic variation in cultivated potato clones. From potato clones of the variety Spunta (in vitro) uninodal stakes were obtained which were differentially treated with the demethylating agent AzaC. From these stakes plants were regenerated, overall methylation status were analyzed by MSAP (Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism) technique. Preliminary results show changes in methylation patterns of clones treated with AzaC compared to controls. This will be an important contribution to the development of new tools for crop improvement.