Abstract: Epigenetics is concerned with the phenomenon of change in gene expression without change in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic phenomena have important impacts on various life processes, such as plant growth and development, stress responses, senescence, and death, and are often observed in conjunction with environmental changes where they may modify environmental impact on biological functions. Epigenetic studies have developed rapidly in the past few decades and have assisted understanding in several research fields, especially the animal and plant sciences, and medicine. Meanwhile, recent advances in science and technology have greatly promoted plant epigenetic analyses. At present, the research of plant epigenetics mainly focuses on DNA methylation, histone modification, RNA methylation, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNA modification. Many important results have emerged. However, the application of epigenetics in forage grasses is still in the preliminary stage relative to the model plant Arabidopsis and other major crops. Therefore, studies on epigenetics in forage grasses have great significance to the sustainable development of grasslands and animal husbandry in China, and elsewhere. In this paper, we provide examples of the concepts, research methods and research contents of epigenetic studies, including DNA methylation, histone modification, RNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA modification. We also review some epigenetic studies in forage grasses and comment on the prospects of epigenetics in the development of grassland and animal husbandry practice.

Key words: epigenetic, forage grasses, DNA methylation, histone modification, RNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNA modification