Function of DNA methylation in fruits: A review

Advances in the detection and mapping of DNA methylation redefine our understanding of the modifications as epigenetic regulation. In plants, the most prevalent DNA methylation plays crucial and dynamic roles in a wide variety of processes, such as stress responses, seedlings growth, fruit ripening and so on. Here, we discuss firstly the changes of DNA methylation (CG, CHG, and CHH) dynamic in plants. Second, we review the latest research progress on DNA methylation in the pigment accumulation of fruits including apple, grape, pear, kiwifruit, sweet orange, peach, cucumber, and tomato. Thirdly, the roles of DNA methylation in fruit development and ripening also are summarized. Moreover, DNA methylation is also associates with disease resistance, and flavor and nutritional quality in fruits. Lastly, we also provide some perspectives on future research of the unknown DNA methylation in fruits.