DNA methylation is a dynamic and reversible type of epigenetic mark that contributes to cellular physiology by affecting transcription activity, transposon mobility and genome stability. When plants are infected with pathogens, plant DNA methylation patterns can change, indicating an epigenetic interplay between plant host and pathogen. In most cases methylation can change susceptibility. While DNA hypomethylation appears to be a common phenomenon during the susceptible interaction, the levels and patterns of hypomethylation in transposable elements and genic regions may mediate distinct responses against various plant pathogens. The effect of DNA methylation on the plant immune response and other cellular activities and molecular functions is established by localized differential DNA methylation via cis-regulatory mechanisms as well as through trans-acting mechanisms. Understanding the epigenetic differences that control the phenotypic variations between susceptible and resistant interactions should facilitate the identification of new sources of resistance mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, which can be exploited to endow pathogen resistance to crops.
Keywords: DNA methylation; Gene expression; Phytopathogens; Transposable elements.