Dynamic changes in global methylation and plant cell death mechanism in response to NiO nanoparticles.

) of NiO-NP. Concomitant increase of DNA hypermethylation (quantified by ELISA-based assay) and genomic DNA damage (evaluated through Comet-based analyses) was recorded at higher doses of NiO-NP. MSAP profiles confirmed that global methylation changes incurring in the parental generation upon NiO-NP exposure were transmitted through the two subsequent generations of BY-2 cells which was supported by data from A. cepa, too. Thus, it was evident that NiO-NP exposure incited DNA hypermethylation, as an aftermath of oxidative burst, and led to induction of autophagy, apoptotic and necrotic cell death pathways. Global methylation changes induced by NiO-NP exposure can be transmitted through subsequent cell generations.