Impact of differential DNA methylation on transgene expression in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) events generated by targeted sequence insertion

Targeted Genome Optimization (TGO) using site‐specific nucleases to introduce a DNA double‐strand break (DSB) at a specific target locus has broadened the options available to breeders for generation and combination of multiple traits. The use of targeted DNA cleavage in combination with homologous recombination (HR)‐mediated repair, enabled the precise targeted insertion of additional trait genes (2mepsps, hppd, axmi115) at a pre‐existing transgenic locus in cotton. Here we describe the expression and epigenome analyses of cotton Targeted Sequence Insertion (TSI) events over generations. In a subset of events, we observed variability in the level of transgene (hppd, axmi115) expression between independent but genetically identical TSI events. Transgene expression could also be differential within single events and variable over generations. This expression variability and silencing occurred independently of the transgene sequence and could be attributed to DNA methylation that was further linked to different DNA methylation mechanisms. The trigger(s) of transgene DNA methylation remains elusive but we hypothesize that targeted DSB induction and repair could be a potential trigger for DNA methylation.