Genome-wide identification and characterization of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases in Siraitia grosvenorii

DNA methylation and demethylation play a crucial role in plant development, fruit ripening, and the accumulation of secondary metabolites. It is primarily catalyzed and regulated by cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferases (C5-MTases) and DNA demethylases (dMTases). In our study, six <i>C5-MTase</i> and four <i>dMTase</i> genes were identified in <i>Siraitia grosvenorii</i> genome. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the six SgC5-MTase were divided into four categories, SgMET1, SgCMTs, SgDRMs, and SgDNMT2. The four SgdMTase were grouped into SgROS1, SgDML3, SgDME subfamilies. Transcript abundance levels of Sg<i>C5-MTase</i> and Sg<i>dMTase</i> genes revealed changes during vegetative and reproductive development. Furthermore, the expression of <i>SgdMTase</i> genes was upregulated during fruit ripening, while <i>SgCMT2/3</i> genes were downregulated. This indicates a potential rise in demethylation, aligning with the accumulation pattern of mogroside V. Our results suggest a role for DNA methylation modifications in the growth, development, maturation, and accumulation of mogrosides, which will also facilitate future epigenetic studies in <i>S. grosvenorii</i>.