Manipulation of epigenetic factors and the DNA repair machinery for improving the frequency of plant transformation

Plant genetic engineering involves the introduction of foreign DNA into the plant genome in order to enhance/modify plant traits. In transgenic plants, it is difficult to achieve stable and predictable transgene expression over subsequent generations. Largely, this is due to the lack of critical understanding of plant perception and response to the artificially introduced foreign DNA. Recent reports have revealed components of the epigenetic module that may affect transgene stability at both pre- and post-integration steps. Furthermore, the integration of the transgene has been shown to be strictly dependent on the DNA repair machinery. In this review, we briefly summarize genetic and epigenetic factors whose manipulation can enhance the efficiency of plant transformation and the quality of genetically engineered transgenic plants.