Genetics and Epigenetics in the Brassicaceae

Dear Colleagues,

Brassicaceae is a diverse family of angiosperms containing 338 genera and 3709 species, including the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The genus Brassica has six major species (Brassica rapa, B. nigra, B. oleracea, B. juncea, B. napus, and B. carinata) that include vegetables (Chinese cabbage, cabbage, napa cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, pak choi, mizuna, komatsuna, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, rutabaga, turnip), oilseeds (canola, rapeseed), condiment (mustard), ornamentals (ornamental cabbage and kale), and fodder. Plant species in the Brassica genus are of interest to researchers because of their agricultural importance. Brassica species are also an excellent representative of different polyploidization events such as whole-genome triplication and allotetraploidization; therefore, they are considered ideal for polyploidization studies. Advanced sequencing technologies accelerated genetic studies in the Brassicaceae, and genomic loci or causative genes associated with specific phenotypes, natural variation, or agricultural traits were identified. Genome editing allows studying the functions of genes.

In addition to genetic studies, epigenetic studies have also advanced. Epigenetic regulators including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and histone posttranslational modifications can actively control gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Non-coding RNAs can also engage in controlling the gene functions in various aspects. Advanced sequencing technologies provide benefits for researcher, allowing them to examine the epigenetic states or identify non-coding RNAs at the whole-genome level.

In this Special Issue, we aim to accumulate a wide understanding of current genetic and epigenetic studies in the Brassicaceae, especially in Brassica crops. Therefore, we welcome the submission of genetic and epigenetic studies related to biotic stress, abiotic stress, heterosis, breeding, agronomic traits, genetic variability, etc. in Brassicaceae. Articles on the integrated analysis of different omics studies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics are also welcome.

Dr. Ryo Fujimoto
Dr. Yoshinobu Takada
Dr. Hasan Mehraj
Guest Editors

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• heredity abiotic stress
• agronomic traits biotic stress
• DNA marker
• DNA methylation
• epigenetics
• flowering time
• genetic diversity
• heterosis
• histone modification
• male sterility
• marker-assisted selection
• Non-coding RNAs
• QTL analysis
• self-incompatibility
• transcriptomics
• vernalization