1
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Genschik P, Schiaffini M, Lechner E. Proteolytic control of the RNA silencing machinery. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:2997-3008. [PMID: 38456220 PMCID: PMC11371168 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koae075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Studies in plants were often pioneering in the field of RNA silencing and revealed a broad range of small RNA (sRNA) categories. When associated with ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins, sRNAs play important functions in development, genome integrity, stress responses, and antiviral immunity. Today, most of the protein factors required for the biogenesis of sRNA classes, their amplification through the production of double-stranded RNA, and their function in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation have been identified. Nevertheless, and despite the importance of RNA silencing, we still know very little about their posttranslational regulation. This is in stark contrast with studies in metazoans, where different modifications such as prolyl hydroxylation, phosphorylation, sumoylation, ubiquitylation, and others have been reported to alter the activity and stability of key factors, such as AGO proteins. Here, we review current knowledge of how key components of the RNA silencing machinery in plants are regulated during development and by microbial hijacking of endogenous proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Genschik
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12, rue du Général Zimmer, Strasbourg 67084, France
| | - Marlene Schiaffini
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12, rue du Général Zimmer, Strasbourg 67084, France
| | - Esther Lechner
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12, rue du Général Zimmer, Strasbourg 67084, France
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2
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Shimada A, Cahn J, Ernst E, Lynn J, Grimanelli D, Henderson I, Kakutani T, Martienssen RA. Retrotransposon addiction promotes centromere function via epigenetically activated small RNAs. NATURE PLANTS 2024:10.1038/s41477-024-01773-1. [PMID: 39223305 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Retrotransposons have invaded eukaryotic centromeres in cycles of repeat expansion and purging, but the function of centromeric retrotransposons has remained unclear. In Arabidopsis, centromeric ATHILA retrotransposons give rise to epigenetically activated short interfering RNAs in mutants in DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION1 (DDM1). Here we show that mutants that lose both DDM1 and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase have pleiotropic developmental defects and mis-segregate chromosome 5 during mitosis. Fertility and segregation defects are epigenetically inherited with centromere 5, and can be rescued by directing artificial small RNAs to ATHILA5 retrotransposons that interrupt tandem satellite repeats. Epigenetically activated short interfering RNAs promote pericentromeric condensation, chromosome cohesion and chromosome segregation in mitosis. We propose that insertion of ATHILA silences centromeric transcription, while simultaneously making centromere function dependent on retrotransposon small RNAs in the absence of DDM1. Parallels are made with the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, where chromosome cohesion depends on RNA interference, and with humans, where chromosome segregation depends on both RNA interference and HELLSDDM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Shimada
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Cahn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan Ernst
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Lynn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Ian Henderson
- Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Robert A Martienssen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, NY, USA.
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3
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Quadrana L. A centromere's obsession with transposons. NATURE PLANTS 2024:10.1038/s41477-024-01724-w. [PMID: 39223306 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01724-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Quadrana
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.
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4
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Marquez-Molins J, Cheng J, Corell-Sierra J, Juarez-Gonzalez VT, Villalba-Bermell P, Annacondia ML, Gomez G, Martinez G. Hop stunt viroid infection induces heterochromatin reorganization. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:2351-2367. [PMID: 39030826 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Viroids are pathogenic noncoding RNAs that completely rely on their host molecular machinery to accomplish their life cycle. Several interactions between viroids and their host molecular machinery have been identified, including interference with epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. Despite this, whether viroids influence changes in other epigenetic marks such as histone modifications remained unknown. Epigenetic regulation is particularly important during pathogenesis processes because it might be a key regulator of the dynamism of the defense response. Here we have analyzed the changes taking place in Cucumis sativus (cucumber) facultative and constitutive heterochromatin during hop stunt viroid (HSVd) infection using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of the two main heterochromatic marks: H3K9me2 and H3K27me3. We find that HSVd infection is associated with changes in both H3K27me3 and H3K9me2, with a tendency to decrease the levels of repressive epigenetic marks through infection progression. These epigenetic changes are connected to the transcriptional regulation of their expected targets, genes, and transposable elements. Indeed, several genes related to the defense response are targets of both epigenetic marks. Our results highlight another host regulatory mechanism affected by viroid infection, providing further information about the complexity of the multiple layers of interactions between pathogens/viroids and hosts/plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Marquez-Molins
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, 75007, Sweden
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Valencia (UV), Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - Jinping Cheng
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, 75007, Sweden
| | - Julia Corell-Sierra
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Valencia (UV), Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - Vasti Thamara Juarez-Gonzalez
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, 75007, Sweden
| | - Pascual Villalba-Bermell
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Valencia (UV), Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - Maria Luz Annacondia
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, 75007, Sweden
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1871, Denmark
| | - Gustavo Gomez
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Valencia (UV), Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - German Martinez
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, 75007, Sweden
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5
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Zhang H, Zhu JK. Epigenetic gene regulation in plants and its potential applications in crop improvement. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00769-1. [PMID: 39192154 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00769-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation, also known as 5-methylcytosine, is an epigenetic modification that has crucial functions in plant growth, development and adaptation. The cellular DNA methylation level is tightly regulated by the combined action of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases. Protein complexes involved in the targeting and interpretation of DNA methylation have been identified, revealing intriguing roles of methyl-DNA binding proteins and molecular chaperones. Structural studies and in vitro reconstituted enzymatic systems have provided mechanistic insights into RNA-directed DNA methylation, the main pathway catalysing de novo methylation in plants. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms will enable locus-specific manipulation of the DNA methylation status. CRISPR-dCas9-based epigenome editing tools are being developed for this goal. Given that DNA methylation patterns can be stably transmitted through meiosis, and that large phenotypic variations can be contributed by epimutations, epigenome editing holds great promise in crop breeding by creating additional phenotypic variability on the same genetic material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Science, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian-Kang Zhu
- Institute of Advanced Biotechnology and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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6
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Chen S, Han J, Wu S, Guo S, Tang Y, Zheng Y, Hu L, Zhang X, Zhang P, Zhang H, Ren G, Gao S. From non-coding RNAs to histone modification: The epigenetic mechanisms in tomato fruit ripening and quality regulation. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 215:109070. [PMID: 39191041 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Ripening is one of the most important stages of fruit development and determines the fruit quality. Various factors play a role in this process, with epigenetic mechanisms emerging as important players. Epigenetic regulation encompasses DNA methylation, histone modifications and variants, chromatin remodeling, RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Over the past decade, studies using tomato as a model have made considerable progress in understanding the impact of epigenetic regulation on fleshy fruit ripening and quality. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent advancements in the epigenetic regulation of tomato fruit ripening and quality regulation, focusing on three main mechanisms: DNA/RNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, and histone modifications. Furthermore, we highlight the unresolved issues and challenges within this research field, offering perspectives for future investigations to drive agricultural innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vege-table, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Jiazhen Han
- The Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vege-table, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Shu Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vege-table, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Shangjing Guo
- Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yufei Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vege-table, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Yujing Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vege-table, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Lei Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vege-table, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vege-table, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | | | - Guodong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Shuai Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vege-table, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticultural Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
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7
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Rao X, Yang S, Lü S, Yang P. DNA Methylation Dynamics in Response to Drought Stress in Crops. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1977. [PMID: 39065503 PMCID: PMC11280950 DOI: 10.3390/plants13141977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Drought is one of the most hazardous environmental factors due to its severe damage on plant growth, development and productivity. Plants have evolved complex regulatory networks and resistance strategies for adaptation to drought stress. As a conserved epigenetic regulation, DNA methylation dynamically alters gene expression and chromosome interactions in plants' response to abiotic stresses. The development of omics technologies on genomics, epigenomics and transcriptomics has led to a rapid increase in research on epigenetic variation in non-model crop species. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings on the roles of DNA methylation under drought stress in crops, including methylating and demethylating enzymes, the global methylation dynamics, the dual regulation of DNA methylation on gene expression, the RNA-dependent DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, alternative splicing (AS) events and long non-coding RNAs (lnc RNAs). We also discuss drought-induced stress memory. These epigenomic findings provide valuable potential for developing strategies to improve crop drought tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pingfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.R.); (S.Y.); (S.L.)
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8
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Yang Y, Liu J, Singer SD, Yan G, Bennet DR, Liu Y, Hily JM, Xu W, Yang Y, Wang X, Zhong GY, Liu Z, An YC, Liu H, Liu Z. Ectopic enhancer-enhancer interactions as causal forces driving RNA-directed DNA methylation in gene regulatory regions. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 39021281 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) are integral to the spatiotemporal and quantitative expression dynamics of target genes, thus directly influencing phenotypic variation and evolution. However, many of these CREs become highly susceptible to transcriptional silencing when in a transgenic state, particularly when organised as tandem repeats. We investigated the mechanism of this phenomenon and found that three of the six selected flower-specific CREs were prone to transcriptional silencing when in a transgenic context. We determined that this silencing was caused by the ectopic expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which were processed into 24-nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that drove RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Detailed analyses revealed that aberrant ncRNA transcription within the AGAMOUS enhancer (AGe) in a transgenic context was significantly enhanced by an adjacent CaMV35S enhancer (35Se). This particular enhancer is known to mis-activate the regulatory activities of various CREs, including the AGe. Furthermore, an insertion of 35Se approximately 3.5 kb upstream of the AGe in its genomic locus also resulted in the ectopic induction of ncRNA/siRNA production and de novo methylation specifically in the AGe, but not other regions, as well as the production of mutant flowers. This confirmed that interactions between the 35Se and AGe can induce RdDM activity in both genomic and transgenic states. These findings highlight a novel epigenetic role for CRE-CRE interactions in plants, shedding light on the underlying forces driving hypermethylation in transgenes, duplicate genes/enhancers, and repetitive transposons, in which interactions between CREs are inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Yang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jia Liu
- College of Landscape, Architecture and Life science/Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Stacy D Singer
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Guohua Yan
- The Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dennis R Bennet
- USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, West Virginia, USA
| | - Yue Liu
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jean-Michel Hily
- Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin (IFV), Le Grau du Roi, France
| | - Weirong Xu
- School of Food & Wine, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yingzhen Yang
- USDA-ARS, Grape Genetic Research Unit, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - Xiping Wang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Gan-Yuan Zhong
- USDA-ARS, Grape Genetic Research Unit, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - Zhongchi Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong-Chiang An
- USDA-ARS, Plant Genetics Research Unit, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Huawei Liu
- Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Zongrang Liu
- USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, West Virginia, USA
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9
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Li Q, Wang Y, Sun Z, Li H, Liu H. The Biosynthesis Process of Small RNA and Its Pivotal Roles in Plant Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7680. [PMID: 39062923 PMCID: PMC11276867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the realm of plant biology, small RNAs (sRNAs) are imperative in the orchestration of gene expression, playing pivotal roles across a spectrum of developmental sequences and responses to environmental stressors. The biosynthetic cascade of sRNAs is characterized by an elaborate network of enzymatic pathways that meticulously process double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors into sRNA molecules, typically 20 to 30 nucleotides in length. These sRNAs, chiefly microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are integral in guiding the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to selectively target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for post-transcriptional modulation. This regulation is achieved either through the targeted cleavage or the suppression of translational efficiency of the mRNAs. In plant development, sRNAs are integral to the modulation of key pathways that govern growth patterns, organ differentiation, and developmental timing. The biogenesis of sRNA itself is a fine-tuned process, beginning with transcription and proceeding through a series of processing steps involving Dicer-like enzymes and RNA-binding proteins. Recent advances in the field have illuminated the complex processes underlying the generation and function of small RNAs (sRNAs), including the identification of new sRNA categories and the clarification of their involvement in the intercommunication among diverse regulatory pathways. This review endeavors to evaluate the contemporary comprehension of sRNA biosynthesis and to underscore the pivotal role these molecules play in directing the intricate performance of plant developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Haiyang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Editing, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (Q.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.)
| | - Huan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Editing, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (Q.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.S.)
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10
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Matyášek R, Kalfusová R, Kuderová A, Řehůřková K, Sochorová J, Kovařík A. Transcriptional Silencing of 35S rDNA in Tragopogon porrifolius Correlates with Cytosine Methylation in Sequence-Specific Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7540. [PMID: 39062783 PMCID: PMC11276851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the widely accepted involvement of DNA methylation in the regulation of rDNA transcription, the relative participation of different cytosine methylation pathways is currently described only for a few model plants. Using PacBio, Bisulfite, and RNA sequencing; PCR; Southern hybridizations; and FISH, the epigenetic consequences of rDNA copy number variation were estimated in two T. porrifolius lineages, por1 and por2, the latter with more than twice the rDNA copy numbers distributed approximately equally between NORs on chromosomes A and D. The lower rDNA content in por1 correlated with significantly reduced (>90%) sizes of both D-NORs. Moreover, two (L and S) prominent rDNA variants, differing in the repetitive organization of intergenic spacers, were detected in por2, while only the S-rDNA variant was detected in por1. Transcriptional activity of S-rDNA in por1 was associated with secondary constriction of both A-NORs. In contrast, silencing of S-rDNA in por2 was accompanied by condensation of A-NORs, secondary constriction on D-NORs, and L-rDNA transcriptional activity, suggesting (i) bidirectional nucleolar dominance and (ii) association of S-rDNAs with A-NORs and L-rDNAs with D-NORs in T. porrifolius. Each S- and L-rDNA array was formed of several sub-variants differentiating both genetically (specific SNPs) and epigenetically (transcriptional efficiency and cytosine methylation). The most significant correlations between rDNA silencing and methylation were detected for symmetric CWG motifs followed by CG motifs. No correlations were detected for external cytosine in CCGs or asymmetric CHHs, where methylation was rather position-dependent, particularly for AT-rich variants. We conclude that variations in rDNA copy numbers in plant diploids can be accompanied by prompt epigenetic responses to maintain an appropriate number of active rDNAs. The methylation dynamics of CWGs are likely to be the most responsible for regulating silent and active rDNA states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Matyášek
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic; (R.K.); (A.K.); (K.Ř.); (J.S.); (A.K.)
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11
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Song B, Luo T, Fan Y, Li M, Qiu Z, Tian Y, Shang Y, Ma C, Liu C, Cao Q, Peng Y, Xu P, Krishnan HB, Wang Z, Zhang S, Liu S. Generation of New β-Conglycinin-Deficient Soybean Lines by Editing the lincRNA lincCG1 Using the CRISPR/Cas9 System. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:15013-15026. [PMID: 38907729 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Soybean β-conglycinin is a major allergen that adversely affects the nutritional properties of soybean. Soybean deficient in β-conglycinin is associated with low allergenicity and high nutritional value. Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) regulate gene expression and are considered important regulators of essential biological processes. Despite increasing knowledge of the functions of lincRNAs, relatively little is known about the effects of lincRNAs on the accumulation of soybean β-conglycinin. The current study presents the identification of a lincRNA lincCG1 that was mapped to the intergenic noncoding region of the β-conglycinin α-subunit locus. The full-length lincCG1 sequence was cloned and found to regulate the expression of soybean seed storage protein (SSP) genes via both cis- and trans-acting regulatory mechanisms. Loss-of-function lincCG1 mutations generated using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system led to the deficiency of the allergenic α'-, α-, and β-subunits of soybean β-conglycinin as well as higher content of proteins, sulfur-containing amino acids, and free arginine. The dominant null allele LincCG1, and consequently, the β-conglycinin-deficient phenotype associated with the lincCG1-gene-edited line was stably inherited by the progenies in a Mendelian fashion. The dominant null allele LincCG1 may therefore be exploited for engineering/developing novel hypoallergenic soybean varieties. Furthermore, Cas9-free and β-conglycinin-deficient homozygous mutant lines were obtained in the T1 generation. This study is the first to employ the CRISPR/Cas9 technology for editing a lincRNA gene associated with the soybean allergenic protein β-conglycinin. Moreover, this study reveals that lincCG1 plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of the β-conglycinin subunit gene cluster, besides highlighting the efficiency of employing the CRISPR/Cas9 system for modulating lincRNAs, and thereby regulating soybean seed components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Song
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cytogenetics, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Tingting Luo
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yuanhang Fan
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Ming Li
- Keshan Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihar 161000, China
| | - Zhendong Qiu
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yusu Tian
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yuzhuo Shang
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chongxuan Ma
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Qingqian Cao
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yuhan Peng
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Hari B Krishnan
- Plant Genetics Research, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
- Plant Science Division, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Zhenhui Wang
- Faculty of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of the Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
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12
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Yu G, Zhang B, Chen Q, Huang Z, Zhang B, Wang K, Han J. Dynamic DNA methylation modifications in the cold stress response of cassava. Genomics 2024; 116:110871. [PMID: 38806102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Cassava, a crucial tropical crop, faces challenges from cold stress, necessitating an exploration of its molecular response. Here, we investigated the role of DNA methylation in moderating the response to moderate cold stress (10 °C) in cassava. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we examined DNA methylation patterns in leaf blades and petioles under control conditions, 5 h, and 48 h of cold stress. Tissue-specific responses were observed, with leaf blades exhibiting subtle changes, while petioles displayed a pronounced decrease in methylation levels under cold stress. We identified cold stress-induced differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that demonstrated both tissue and treatment specificity. Importantly, these DMRs were enriched in genes with altered expression, implying functional relevance. The cold-response transcription factor ERF105 associated with DMRs emerged as a significant and conserved regulator across tissues and treatments. Furthermore, we investigated DNA methylation dynamics in transposable elements, emphasizing the sensitivity of MITEs with bHLH binding motifs to cold stress. These findings provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of response to cold stress in cassava, contributing to an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in this tropical plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangrun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; Xinglin College, Nantong University, Qidong 226236, China
| | - Baowang Zhang
- Qingdao Smart Rural Development Service Center, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Qi Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; Xinglin College, Nantong University, Qidong 226236, China
| | - Zequan Huang
- Xinglin College, Nantong University, Qidong 226236, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
| | - Jinlei Han
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
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13
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Nandety RS, Oh S, Lee HK, Krom N, Gupta R, Mysore KS. Genome-wide methylation landscape during somatic embryogenesis in Medicago truncatula reveals correlation between Tnt1 retrotransposition and hyperactive methylation regions. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 119:557-576. [PMID: 38627952 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Medicago truncatula is a model legume for fundamental research on legume biology and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Tnt1, a retrotransposon from tobacco, was used to generate insertion mutants in M. truncatula R108. Approximately 21 000 insertion lines have been generated and publicly available. Tnt1 retro-transposition event occurs during somatic embryogenesis (SE), a pivotal process that triggers massive methylation changes. We studied the SE of M. truncatula R108 using leaf explants and explored the dynamic shifts in the methylation landscape from leaf explants to callus formation and finally embryogenesis. Higher cytosine methylation in all three contexts of CG, CHG, and CHH patterns was observed during SE compared to the controls. Higher methylation patterns were observed in assumed promoter regions (~2-kb upstream regions of transcription start site) of the genes, while lowest was recorded in the untranslated regions. Differentially methylated promoter region analysis showed a higher CHH methylation in embryogenesis tissue samples when compared to CG and CHG methylation. Strong correlation (89.71%) was identified between the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and the site of Tnt1 insertions in M. truncatula R108 and stronger hypermethylation of genes correlated with higher number of Tnt1 insertions in all contexts of CG, CHG, and CHH methylation. Gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified genes and pathways enriched in the signal peptide processing, ATP hydrolysis, RNA polymerase activity, transport, secondary metabolites, and nitrogen metabolism pathways. Combined gene expression analysis and methylation profiling showed an inverse relationship between methylation in the DMRs (regions spanning genes) and the expression of genes. Our results show that a dynamic shift in methylation happens during the SE process in the context of CG, CHH and CHG methylation, and the Tnt1 retrotransposition correlates with the hyperactive methylation regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Sekhar Nandety
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 73401, USA
- Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, 58102, USA
- Cereal Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, Fargo, North Dakota, 58102, USA
| | - Sunhee Oh
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 73401, USA
| | - Hee-Kyung Lee
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 73401, USA
| | - Nick Krom
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 73401, USA
| | - Rajeev Gupta
- Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, 58102, USA
- Cereal Crops Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, Fargo, North Dakota, 58102, USA
| | - Kirankumar S Mysore
- Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 73401, USA
- Institute for Agricultural Biosciences, Oklahoma State University, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 73401, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, USA
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14
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Florez-Rueda AM, Miguel CM, Figueiredo DD. Comparative transcriptomics of seed nourishing tissues: uncovering conserved and divergent pathways in seed plants. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 119:1134-1157. [PMID: 38709819 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The evolutionary and ecological success of spermatophytes is intrinsically linked to the seed habit, which provides a protective environment for the initial development of the new generation. This environment includes an ephemeral nourishing tissue that supports embryo growth. In gymnosperms this tissue originates from the asexual proliferation of the maternal megagametophyte, while in angiosperms it is a product of fertilization, and is called the endosperm. The emergence of these nourishing tissues is of profound evolutionary value, and they are also food staples for most of the world's population. Here, using Orthofinder to infer orthologue genes among newly generated and previously published datasets, we provide a comparative transcriptomic analysis of seed nourishing tissues from species of several angiosperm clades, including those of early diverging lineages, as well as of one gymnosperm. Our results show that, although the structure and composition of seed nourishing tissues has seen significant divergence along evolution, there are signatures that are conserved throughout the phylogeny. Conversely, we identified processes that are specific to species within the clades studied, and thus illustrate their functional divergence. With this, we aimed to provide a foundation for future studies on the evolutionary history of seed nourishing structures, as well as a resource for gene discovery in future functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marcela Florez-Rueda
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam Science Park, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknechts-Str. 24-25, Haus 26, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Célia M Miguel
- Faculty of Sciences, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Duarte D Figueiredo
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam Science Park, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
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15
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Wang Z, Xia A, Wang Q, Cui Z, Lu M, Ye Y, Wang Y, He Y. Natural polymorphisms in ZMET2 encoding a DNA methyltransferase modulate the number of husk layers in maize. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:2129-2142. [PMID: 38431291 PMCID: PMC11213254 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation affects agronomic traits and the environmental adaptability of crops, but the natural polymorphisms in DNA methylation-related genes and their contributions to phenotypic variation in maize (Zea mays) remain elusive. Here, we show that a polymorphic 10-bp insertion/deletion variant in the 3'UTR of Zea methyltransferase2 (ZMET2) alters its transcript level and accounts for variation in the number of maize husk layers. ZMET2 encodes a chromomethylase and is required for maintaining genome-wide DNA methylation in the CHG sequence context. Disruption of ZMET2 increased the number of husk layers and resulted in thousands of differentially methylated regions, a proportion of which were also distinguishable in natural ZMET2 alleles. Population genetic analyses indicated that ZMET2 was a target of selection and might play a role in the spread of maize from tropical to temperate regions. Our results provide important insights into the natural variation of ZMET2 that confers both global and locus-specific effects on DNA methylation, which contribute to phenotypic diversity in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Aiai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Zhenhai Cui
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Maize Genomic Selection Breeding, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Maize Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling 136100, China
| | - Yusheng Ye
- Maize Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110065, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- Maize Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110065, China
| | - Yan He
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
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16
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Miao Y, You H, Liu H, Zhao Y, Zhao J, Li Y, Shen Y, Tang D, Liu B, Zhang K, Cheng Z. RETINOBLASTOMA RELATED 1 switches mitosis to meiosis in rice. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100857. [PMID: 38433446 PMCID: PMC11211523 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The transition from mitosis to meiosis is a critical event in the reproductive development of all sexually reproducing species. However, the mechanisms that regulate this process in plants remain largely unknown. Here, we find that the rice (Oryza sativa L.) protein RETINOBLASTOMA RELATED 1 (RBR1) is essential to the transition from mitosis to meiosis. Loss of RBR1 function results in hyper-proliferative sporogenous-cell-like cells (SCLs) in the anther locules during early stages of reproductive development. These hyper-proliferative SCLs are unable to initiate meiosis, eventually stagnating and degrading at late developmental stages to form pollen-free anthers. These results suggest that RBR1 acts as a gatekeeper of entry into meiosis. Furthermore, cytokinin content is significantly increased in rbr1 mutants, whereas the expression of type-B response factors, particularly LEPTO1, is significantly reduced. Given the known close association of cytokinins with cell proliferation, these findings imply that hyper-proliferative germ cells in the anther locules may be attributed to elevated cytokinin concentrations and disruptions in the cytokinin pathway. Using a genetic strategy, the association between germ cell hyper-proliferation and disturbed cytokinin signaling in rbr1 has been confirmed. In summary, we reveal a unique role of RBR1 in the initiation of meiosis; our results clearly demonstrate that the RBR1 regulatory module is connected to the cytokinin signaling pathway and switches mitosis to meiosis in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Miao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hanli You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Huixin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yangzi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiangzhe Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology on Specialty Economic Plants, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Yafei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yi Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ding Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Baohui Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Adaptation and Molecular Design, Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Kewei Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology on Specialty Economic Plants, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China.
| | - Zhukuan Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding/Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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17
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Chakraborty T, Trujillo JT, Kendall T, Mosher RA. Charophytic Green Algae Encode Ancestral Polymerase IV/Polymerase V Subunits and a CLSY/DRD1 Homolog. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae119. [PMID: 38874416 PMCID: PMC11194755 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In flowering plants, euchromatic transposons are transcriptionally silenced by RNA-directed DNA Methylation, a small RNA-guided de novo methylation pathway. RNA-directed DNA Methylation requires the activity of the RNA Polymerases IV and V, which produce small RNA precursors and noncoding targets of small RNAs, respectively. These polymerases are distinguished from Polymerase II by multiple plant-specific paralogous subunits. Most RNA-directed DNA Methylation components are present in all land plants, and some have been found in the charophytic green algae, a paraphyletic group that is sister to land plants. However, the evolutionary origin of key RNA-directed DNA Methylation components, including the two largest subunits of Polymerase IV and Polymerase V, remains unclear. Here, we show that multiple lineages of charophytic green algae encode a single-copy precursor of the largest subunits of Polymerase IV and Polymerase V, resolving the two presumed duplications in this gene family. We further demonstrate the presence of a Polymerase V-like C-terminal domain, suggesting that the earliest form of RNA-directed DNA Methylation utilized a single Polymerase V-like polymerase. Finally, we reveal that charophytic green algae encode a single CLSY/DRD1-type chromatin remodeling protein, further supporting the presence of a single specialized polymerase in charophytic green algae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua T Trujillo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Timmy Kendall
- The School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Rebecca A Mosher
- The School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
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18
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Xu W, Shen H. m 6A regulates heterochromatin in mammalian embryonic stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102196. [PMID: 38669774 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
As the most well-studied modification in mRNA, m6A has been shown to regulate multiple biological processes, including RNA degradation, processing, and translation. Recent studies showed that m6A modification is enriched in chromatin-associated RNAs and nascent RNAs, suggesting m6A might play regulatory roles in chromatin contexts. Indeed, in the past several years, a number of studies have clarified how m6A and its modulators regulate different types of chromatin states. Specifically, in the past 2-3 years, several studies discovered the roles of m6A and/or its modulators in regulating constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, shedding interesting lights on RNA-dependent heterochromatin formation in mammalian cells. This review will summarize and discuss the mechanisms underlying m6A's regulation in different types of heterochromatin, with a specific emphasis on the regulation in mammalian embryonic stem cells, which exhibit distinct features of multiple heterochromatin marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Xu
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongjie Shen
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Wu X, Chen S, Lin F, Muhammad F, Xu H, Wu L. Comparative and functional analysis unveils the contribution of photoperiod to DNA methylation, sRNA accumulation, and gene expression variations in short-day and long-day grasses. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:1955-1971. [PMID: 38491864 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Photoperiod employs complicated networks to regulate various developmental processes in plants, including flowering transition. However, the specific mechanisms by which photoperiod affects epigenetic modifications and gene expression variations in plants remain elusive. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation, small RNA (sRNA) accumulation, and gene expressions under different daylengths in facultative long-day (LD) grass Brachypodium distachyon and short-day (SD) grass rice. Our results showed that while overall DNA methylation levels were minimally affected by different photoperiods, CHH methylation levels were repressed under their favorable light conditions, particularly in rice. We identified numerous differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that were influenced by photoperiod in both plant species. Apart from differential sRNA clusters, we observed alterations in the expression of key components of the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway, DNA methyltransferases, and demethylases, which may contribute to the identified photoperiod-influenced CHH DMRs. Furthermore, we identified many differentially expressed genes in response to different daylengths, some of which were associated with the DMRs. Notably, we discovered a photoperiod-responsive gene MYB11 in the transcriptome of B. distachyon, and further demonstrated its role as a flowering inhibitor by repressing FT1 transcription. Together, our comparative and functional analysis sheds light on the effects of daylength on DNA methylation, sRNA accumulation, and gene expression variations in LD and SD plants, thereby facilitating better designing breeding programs aimed at developing high-yield crops that can adapt to local growing seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Siyi Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, China
| | - Fahad Muhammad
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Haiming Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, 572000, China
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20
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Liu F, Tang J, Li T, Zhang Q. The microRNA miR482 regulates NBS-LRR genes in response to ALT1 infection in apple. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 343:112078. [PMID: 38556113 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Plants are frequently attacked by a variety of pathogens and thus have evolved a series of defense mechanisms, one important mechanism is resistance gene (R gene)-mediated disease resistance, but its expression is tightly regulated. NBS-LRR genes are the largest gene family of R genes. microRNAs (miRNAs) target to a number of NBS-LRR genes and trigger the production of phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) from these transcripts. phasiRNAs cis or trans regulate NBS-LRR genes, which can result in the repression of R gene expression. In this study, we screened for upregulated miR482 in the susceptible apple cultivar 'Golden Delicious' (GD) after inoculation with the fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata f. sp. mali (ALT1). Additionally, through combined degradome sequencing, we identified a gene targeted by miR482, named MdTNL1, a gene encoding a TIR-NBS-LRR (Toll/interleukin1 receptor-nucleotide binding site-leucine-rich repeat) protein. This gene exhibited a significant down-regulation post ALT1 inoculation, suggesting an impact on gene expression mediated by miRNA regulation. miR482 could cleave MdTNL1 and generate phasiRNAs at the cleavage site. We found that overexpression of miR482 inhibited the expression of MdTNL1 and thus reduced the disease resistance of GD, while silencing of miR482 increased the expression of MdTNL1 and thus improved the disease resistance of GD. This work elucidates key mechanisms underlying the immune response to Alternaria infection in apple. Identification of the resistance genes involved will enable molecular breeding for prevention and control of Alternaria leaf spot disease in this important fruit crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyu Liu
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Jinqi Tang
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Tianzhong Li
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Qiulei Zhang
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China.
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21
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Daware A, Mohanty JK, Narnoliya L, Singh A, Rathore D, Thakro V, Francis A, Singh NP, Francis P, Tripathi S, Chattopadhyay D, Parida SK. Uncovering DNA methylation landscapes to decipher evolutionary footprints of phenotypic diversity in chickpea. DNA Res 2024; 31:dsae013. [PMID: 38702947 PMCID: PMC11149376 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity and environmental factors are long believed to be the dominant contributors to phenotypic diversity in crop plants. However, it has been recently established that, besides genetic variation, epigenetic variation, especially variation in DNA methylation, plays a significant role in determining phenotypic diversity in crop plants. Therefore, assessing DNA methylation diversity in crop plants becomes vital, especially in the case of crops like chickpea, which has a narrow genetic base. Thus, in the present study, we employed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to assess DNA methylation diversity in wild and cultivated (desi and kabuli) chickpea. This revealed extensive DNA methylation diversity in both wild and cultivated chickpea. Interestingly, the methylation diversity was found to be significantly higher than genetic diversity, suggesting its potential role in providing vital phenotypic diversity for the evolution and domestication of the Cicer gene pool. The phylogeny based on DNA methylation variation also indicates a potential complementary role of DNA methylation variation in addition to DNA sequence variation in shaping chickpea evolution. Besides, the study also identified diverse epi-alleles of many previously known genes of agronomic importance. The Cicer MethVarMap database developed in this study enables researchers to readily visualize methylation variation within the genes and genomic regions of their interest (http://223.31.159.7/cicer/public/). Therefore, epigenetic variation like DNA methylation variation can potentially explain the paradox of high phenotypic diversity despite the narrow genetic base in chickpea and can potentially be employed for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Daware
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Jitendra K Mohanty
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Laxmi Narnoliya
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Akansha Singh
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Deepanshi Rathore
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Virevol Thakro
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Aleena Francis
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Nagendra Pratap Singh
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Philip Francis
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shailesh Tripathi
- Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur 208024, India
| | - Debasis Chattopadhyay
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Swarup K Parida
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
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22
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Hövel I, Bader R, Louwers M, Haring M, Peek K, Gent JI, Stam M. RNA-directed DNA methylation mutants reduce histone methylation at the paramutated maize booster1 enhancer. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:1161-1179. [PMID: 38366582 PMCID: PMC11142347 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Paramutation is the transfer of mitotically and meiotically heritable silencing information between two alleles. With paramutation at the maize (Zea mays) booster1 (b1) locus, the low-expressed B' epiallele heritably changes the high-expressed B-I epiallele into B' with 100% frequency. This requires specific tandem repeats and multiple components of the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway, including the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (encoded by mediator of paramutation1, mop1), the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase IV and V (NRP(D/E)2a, encoded by mop2), and the largest subunit of RNA Polymerase IV (NRPD1, encoded by mop3). Mutations in mop genes prevent paramutation and release silencing at the B' epiallele. In this study, we investigated the effect of mutations in mop1, mop2, and mop3 on chromatin structure and DNA methylation at the B' epiallele, and especially the regulatory hepta-repeat 100 kb upstream of the b1 gene. Mutations in mop1 and mop3 resulted in decreased repressive histone modifications H3K9me2 and H3K27me2 at the hepta-repeat. Associated with this decrease were partial activation of the hepta-repeat enhancer function, formation of a multi-loop structure, and elevated b1 expression. In mop2 mutants, which do not show elevated b1 expression, H3K9me2, H3K27me2 and a single-loop structure like in wild-type B' were retained. Surprisingly, high CG and CHG methylation levels at the B' hepta-repeat remained in all three mutants, and CHH methylation was low in both wild type and mutants. Our results raise the possibility of MOP factors mediating RNA-directed histone methylation rather than RNA-directed DNA methylation at the b1 locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Hövel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Universiteit van Amsterdam, P.O. Box 1210, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rechien Bader
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Universiteit van Amsterdam, P.O. Box 1210, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Louwers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Universiteit van Amsterdam, P.O. Box 1210, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Zwijnaarde (Ghent), Belgium
| | - Max Haring
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Universiteit van Amsterdam, P.O. Box 1210, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University Library, Universiteit van Amsterdam, P.O. Box 19185, 1000 GD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Peek
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Universiteit van Amsterdam, P.O. Box 1210, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan I Gent
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Maike Stam
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Universiteit van Amsterdam, P.O. Box 1210, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Fossdal CG, Krokene P, Olsen JE, Strimbeck R, Viejo M, Yakovlev I, Mageroy MH. Epigenetic stress memory in gymnosperms. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:1117-1133. [PMID: 38298164 PMCID: PMC11142372 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Gymnosperms are long-lived, cone-bearing seed plants that include some of the most ancient extant plant species. These relict land plants have evolved to survive in habitats marked by chronic or episodic stress. Their ability to thrive in these environments is partly due to their phenotypic flexibility, and epigenetic regulation likely plays a crucial part in this plasticity. We review the current knowledge on abiotic and biotic stress memory in gymnosperms and the possible epigenetic mechanisms underlying long-term phenotypic adaptations. We also discuss recent technological improvements and new experimental possibilities that likely will advance our understanding of epigenetic regulation in these ancient and hard-to-study plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Gunnar Fossdal
- Division of Plant Health and Biotechnology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Paal Krokene
- Division of Plant Health and Biotechnology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Jorunn Elisabeth Olsen
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås 1432, Norway
| | - Richard Strimbeck
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Marcos Viejo
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Igor Yakovlev
- Division of Plant Health and Biotechnology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Melissa H Mageroy
- Division of Plant Health and Biotechnology, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås 1431, Norway
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24
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Takei T, Tsukada M, Tamura K, Hara-Nishimura I, Fukao Y, Kurihara Y, Matsui M, Saze H, Tsuzuki M, Watanabe Y, Hamada T. ARGONAUTE1-binding Tudor domain proteins function in small interfering RNA production for RNA-directed DNA methylation. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:1333-1346. [PMID: 38446745 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) contribute to plant evolution, development, and adaptation to environmental changes, but the regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is 1 TE regulatory mechanism in plants. Here, we identified that novel ARGONAUTE 1 (AGO1)-binding Tudor domain proteins Precocious dissociation of sisters C/E (PDS5C/E) are involved in 24-nt siRNA production to establish RdDM on TEs in Arabidopsis thaliana. PDS5 family proteins are subunits of the eukaryote-conserved cohesin complex. However, the double mutant lacking angiosperm-specific subfamily PDS5C and PDS5E (pds5c/e) exhibited different developmental phenotypes and transcriptome compared with those of the double mutant lacking eukaryote-conserved subfamily PDS5A and PDS5B (pds5a/b), suggesting that the angiosperm-specific PDS5C/E subfamily has a unique function in angiosperm plants. Proteome and imaging analyses revealed that PDS5C/E interact with AGO1. The pds5c/e double mutant had defects in 24-nt siRNA accumulation and CHH DNA methylation on TEs. In addition, some lncRNAs that accumulated in the pds5c/e mutant were targeted by AGO1-loading 21-nt miRNAs and 21-nt siRNAs. These results indicate that PDS5C/E and AGO1 participate in 24-nt siRNA production for RdDM in the cytoplasm. These findings indicate that angiosperm plants evolved a new regulator, the PDS5C/E subfamily, to control the increase in TEs during angiosperm evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Takei
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama 700-0005, Japan
| | - Michio Tsukada
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tamura
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | | | - Yoichiro Fukao
- Graduate School of Life Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
| | - Yukio Kurihara
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Synthetic Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Minami Matsui
- Synthetic Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Department of Life and Environmental System Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Saze
- Plant Epigenetics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Masayuki Tsuzuki
- Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, Kochi 783-8502, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Watanabe
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hamada
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama 700-0005, Japan
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25
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Harris CJ, Zhong Z, Ichino L, Feng S, Jacobsen SE. H1 restricts euchromatin-associated methylation pathways from heterochromatic encroachment. eLife 2024; 12:RP89353. [PMID: 38814684 PMCID: PMC11139477 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Silencing pathways prevent transposable element (TE) proliferation and help to maintain genome integrity through cell division. Silenced genomic regions can be classified as either euchromatic or heterochromatic, and are targeted by genetically separable epigenetic pathways. In plants, the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway targets mostly euchromatic regions, while CMT DNA methyltransferases are mainly associated with heterochromatin. However, many epigenetic features - including DNA methylation patterning - are largely indistinguishable between these regions, so how the functional separation is maintained is unclear. The linker histone H1 is preferentially localized to heterochromatin and has been proposed to restrict RdDM from encroachment. To test this hypothesis, we followed RdDM genomic localization in an h1 mutant by performing ChIP-seq on the largest subunit, NRPE1, of the central RdDM polymerase, Pol V. Loss of H1 resulted in NRPE1 enrichment predominantly in heterochromatic TEs. Increased NRPE1 binding was associated with increased chromatin accessibility in h1, suggesting that H1 restricts NRPE1 occupancy by compacting chromatin. However, RdDM occupancy did not impact H1 localization, demonstrating that H1 hierarchically restricts RdDM positioning. H1 mutants experience major symmetric (CG and CHG) DNA methylation gains, and by generating an h1/nrpe1 double mutant, we demonstrate these gains are largely independent of RdDM. However, loss of NRPE1 occupancy from a subset of euchromatic regions in h1 corresponded to the loss of methylation in all sequence contexts, while at ectopically bound heterochromatic loci, NRPE1 deposition correlated with increased methylation specifically in the CHH context. Additionally, we found that H1 similarly restricts the occupancy of the methylation reader, SUVH1, and polycomb-mediated H3K27me3. Together, the results support a model whereby H1 helps maintain the exclusivity of heterochromatin by preventing encroachment from other competing pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jake Harris
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Zhenhui Zhong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Lucia Ichino
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Suhua Feng
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Steven E Jacobsen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
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26
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Pachamuthu K, Simon M, Borges F. Targeted suppression of siRNA biogenesis in Arabidopsis pollen promotes triploid seed viability. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4612. [PMID: 38816386 PMCID: PMC11139921 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48950-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In plants, small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) mediate epigenetic silencing via the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, which is particularly prominent during reproduction and seed development. However, there is limited understanding of the origins and dynamics of reproductive siRNAs acting in different cellular and developmental contexts. Here, we used the RNaseIII-like protein RTL1 to suppress siRNA biogenesis in Arabidopsis pollen, and found distinct siRNA subsets produced during pollen development. We demonstrate that RTL1 expression in the late microspore and vegetative cell strongly impairs epigenetic silencing, and resembles RdDM mutants in their ability to bypass interploidy hybridization barriers in the seed. However, germline-specific RTL1 expression did not impact transgenerational inheritance of triploid seed lethality. These results reveal the existence of multiple siRNA subsets accumulated in mature pollen, and suggest that mobile siRNAs involved in the triploid block are produced in germline precursor cells after meiosis, or in the vegetative cell during pollen mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Pachamuthu
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Matthieu Simon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Filipe Borges
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France.
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27
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Cao S, Chen ZJ. Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance during plant evolution and breeding. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024:S1360-1385(24)00112-2. [PMID: 38806375 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Plants can program and reprogram their genomes to create genetic variation and epigenetic modifications, leading to phenotypic plasticity. Although consequences of genetic changes are comprehensible, the basis for transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic variation is elusive. This review addresses contributions of external (environmental) and internal (genomic) factors to the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic memory during plant evolution, crop domestication, and modern breeding. Dynamic and pervasive changes in DNA methylation and chromatin modifications provide a diverse repertoire of epigenetic variation potentially for transgenerational inheritance. Elucidating and harnessing epigenetic inheritance will help us develop innovative breeding strategies and biotechnological tools to improve crop yield and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Beyond plants, epigenetic principles are shared across sexually reproducing organisms including humans with relevance to medicine and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Cao
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Z Jeffrey Chen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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28
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Chu J, Newman J, Cho J. Molecular Mimicry of Transposable Elements in Plants. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2024:pcae058. [PMID: 38808931 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA elements that are particularly abundant in the plant genomes. They have long been considered as junk DNA; however, a growing body of evidence suggests that TE insertions promote genetic diversity that is essential for the adaptive evolution of a species. Thus far, studies have mainly investigated the cis-acting regulatory roles of TEs generated by their insertions nearby or within the host genes. However, the trans-acting effects of TE-derived RNA and DNA remained obscure to date. TEs contain various regulatory elements within their sequences that can accommodate the binding of specific RNAs and proteins. Recently, it was suggested that some of these cellular regulators are shared between TEs and the host genes, and the competition for the common host factors underlies the fine-tuned developmental reprogramming. In this review, we will highlight and discuss the latest discoveries on the biological functions of plant TEs, with a particular focus on their competitive binding with specific developmental regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, Beijing 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Josephine Newman
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Jungnam Cho
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
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29
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Fan Y, Sun C, Yan K, Li P, Hein I, Gilroy EM, Kear P, Bi Z, Yao P, Liu Z, Liu Y, Bai J. Recent Advances in Studies of Genomic DNA Methylation and Its Involvement in Regulating Drought Stress Response in Crops. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1400. [PMID: 38794470 PMCID: PMC11125032 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
As global arid conditions worsen and groundwater resources diminish, drought stress has emerged as a critical impediment to plant growth and development globally, notably causing declines in crop yields and even the extinction of certain cultivated species. Numerous studies on drought resistance have demonstrated that DNA methylation dynamically interacts with plant responses to drought stress by modulating gene expression and developmental processes. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these interactions remain elusive. This article consolidates the latest research on the role of DNA methylation in plant responses to drought stress across various species, focusing on methods of methylation detection, mechanisms of methylation pattern alteration (including DNA de novo methylation, DNA maintenance methylation, and DNA demethylation), and overall responses to drought conditions. While many studies have observed significant shifts in genome-wide or gene promoter methylation levels in drought-stressed plants, the identification of specific genes and pathways involved remains limited. This review aims to furnish a reference for detailed research into plant responses to drought stress through epigenetic approaches, striving to identify drought resistance genes regulated by DNA methylation, specific signaling pathways, and their molecular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youfang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.F.); (P.L.); (Z.B.); (P.Y.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Chao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.F.); (P.L.); (Z.B.); (P.Y.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Kan Yan
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
| | - Pengcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.F.); (P.L.); (Z.B.); (P.Y.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ingo Hein
- The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK; (I.H.); (E.M.G.)
| | | | - Philip Kear
- International Potato Center (CIP), CIP China Center for Asia Pacific (CCCAP), Beijing 102199, China;
| | - Zhenzhen Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.F.); (P.L.); (Z.B.); (P.Y.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Panfeng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.F.); (P.L.); (Z.B.); (P.Y.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.F.); (P.L.); (Z.B.); (P.Y.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yuhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.F.); (P.L.); (Z.B.); (P.Y.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jiangping Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.F.); (P.L.); (Z.B.); (P.Y.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.)
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30
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Wang Y, Duchen P, Chávez A, Sree KS, Appenroth KJ, Zhao H, Höfer M, Huber M, Xu S. Population genomics and epigenomics of Spirodela polyrhiza provide insights into the evolution of facultative asexuality. Commun Biol 2024; 7:581. [PMID: 38755313 PMCID: PMC11099151 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Many plants are facultatively asexual, balancing short-term benefits with long-term costs of asexuality. During range expansion, natural selection likely influences the genetic controls of asexuality in these organisms. However, evidence of natural selection driving asexuality is limited, and the evolutionary consequences of asexuality on the genomic and epigenomic diversity remain controversial. We analyzed population genomes and epigenomes of Spirodela polyrhiza, (L.) Schleid., a facultatively asexual plant that flowers rarely, revealing remarkably low genomic diversity and DNA methylation levels. Within species, demographic history and the frequency of asexual reproduction jointly determined intra-specific variations of genomic diversity and DNA methylation levels. Genome-wide scans revealed that genes associated with stress adaptations, flowering and embryogenesis were under positive selection. These data are consistent with the hypothesize that natural selection can shape the evolution of asexuality during habitat expansions, which alters genomic and epigenomic diversity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzi Wang
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, University of Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, 48161, Münster, Germany
| | - Pablo Duchen
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, University of Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, 48161, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexandra Chávez
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, University of Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, 48161, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, 48161, Münster, Germany
| | - K Sowjanya Sree
- Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Periya, 671320, India
| | - Klaus J Appenroth
- Matthias Schleiden Institute - Plant Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Hai Zhao
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 6100641, Chengdu, China
| | - Martin Höfer
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, University of Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, 48161, Münster, Germany
| | - Meret Huber
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, University of Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, 48161, Münster, Germany
| | - Shuqing Xu
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, University of Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, 48161, Münster, Germany.
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of Mainz, 55218, Mainz, Germany.
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31
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Imaduwage I, Hewadikaram M. Predicted roles of long non-coding RNAs in abiotic stress tolerance responses of plants. MOLECULAR HORTICULTURE 2024; 4:20. [PMID: 38745264 PMCID: PMC11094901 DOI: 10.1186/s43897-024-00094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The plant genome exhibits a significant amount of transcriptional activity, with most of the resulting transcripts lacking protein-coding potential. Non-coding RNAs play a pivotal role in the development and regulatory processes in plants. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which exceed 200 nucleotides, may play a significant role in enhancing plant resilience to various abiotic stresses, such as excessive heat, drought, cold, and salinity. In addition, the exogenous application of chemicals, such as abscisic acid and salicylic acid, can augment plant defense responses against abiotic stress. While how lncRNAs play a role in abiotic stress tolerance is relatively well-studied in model plants, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of this function in horticultural crop plants. It also delves into the potential role of lncRNAs in chemical priming of plants in order to acquire abiotic stress tolerance, although many limitations exist in proving lncRNA functionality under such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuh Imaduwage
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science, NSBM Green University, Pitipana, Homagama, Sri Lanka
| | - Madhavi Hewadikaram
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science, NSBM Green University, Pitipana, Homagama, Sri Lanka.
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32
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Gravot A, Liégard B, Quadrana L, Veillet F, Aigu Y, Bargain T, Bénéjam J, Lariagon C, Lemoine J, Colot V, Manzanares-Dauleux MJ, Jubault M. Two adjacent NLR genes conferring quantitative resistance to clubroot disease in Arabidopsis are regulated by a stably inherited epiallelic variation. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100824. [PMID: 38268192 PMCID: PMC11121752 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Clubroot caused by the protist Plasmodiophora brassicae is a major disease affecting cultivated Brassicaceae. Using a combination of quantitative trait locus (QTL) fine mapping, CRISPR-Cas9 validation, and extensive analyses of DNA sequence and methylation patterns, we revealed that the two adjacent neighboring NLR (nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat) genes AT5G47260 and AT5G47280 cooperate in controlling broad-spectrum quantitative partial resistance to the root pathogen P. brassicae in Arabidopsis and that they are epigenetically regulated. The variation in DNA methylation is not associated with any nucleotide variation or any transposable element presence/absence variants and is stably inherited. Variations in DNA methylation at the Pb-At5.2 QTL are widespread across Arabidopsis accessions and correlate negatively with variations in expression of the two genes. Our study demonstrates that natural, stable, and transgenerationally inherited epigenetic variations can play an important role in shaping resistance to plant pathogens by modulating the expression of immune receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Gravot
- IGEPP Institut Agro, INRAE, Université de Rennes, 35650 Le Rheu, France
| | - Benjamin Liégard
- IGEPP Institut Agro, INRAE, Université de Rennes, 35650 Le Rheu, France
| | - Leandro Quadrana
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Florian Veillet
- IGEPP INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Rennes, 29260 Ploudaniel, France
| | - Yoann Aigu
- IGEPP Institut Agro, INRAE, Université de Rennes, 35650 Le Rheu, France
| | - Tristan Bargain
- IGEPP Institut Agro, INRAE, Université de Rennes, 35650 Le Rheu, France
| | - Juliette Bénéjam
- IGEPP Institut Agro, INRAE, Université de Rennes, 35650 Le Rheu, France
| | | | - Jocelyne Lemoine
- IGEPP Institut Agro, INRAE, Université de Rennes, 35650 Le Rheu, France
| | - Vincent Colot
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Mélanie Jubault
- IGEPP Institut Agro, INRAE, Université de Rennes, 35650 Le Rheu, France.
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Mishra S, Duarte GT, Horemans N, Ruytinx J, Gudkov D, Danchenko M. Complexity of responses to ionizing radiation in plants, and the impact on interacting biotic factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171567. [PMID: 38460702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In nature, plants are simultaneously exposed to different abiotic (e.g., heat, drought, and salinity) and biotic (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and insects) stresses. Climate change and anthropogenic pressure are expected to intensify the frequency of stress factors. Although plants are well equipped with unique and common defense systems protecting against stressors, they may compromise their growth and development for survival in such challenging environments. Ionizing radiation is a peculiar stress factor capable of causing clustered damage. Radionuclides are both naturally present on the planet and produced by human activities. Natural and artificial radioactivity affects plants on molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, populational, and transgenerational levels. Moreover, the fitness of pests, pathogens, and symbionts is concomitantly challenged in radiologically contaminated areas. Plant responses to artificial acute ionizing radiation exposure and laboratory-simulated or field chronic exposure are often discordant. Acute or chronic ionizing radiation exposure may occasionally prime the defense system of plants to better tolerate the biotic stress or could often exhaust their metabolic reserves, making plants more susceptible to pests and pathogens. Currently, these alternatives are only marginally explored. Our review summarizes the available literature on the responses of host plants, biotic factors, and their interaction to ionizing radiation exposure. Such systematic analysis contributes to improved risk assessment in radiologically contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhi Mishra
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Gustavo Turqueto Duarte
- Unit for Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Nele Horemans
- Unit for Biosphere Impact Studies, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Joske Ruytinx
- Department of Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dmitri Gudkov
- Institute of Hydrobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 04210 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Maksym Danchenko
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia.
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Shi Z, Zhao W, Li C, Tan W, Zhu Y, Han Y, Ai P, Li Z, Wang Z. Overexpression of the Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium ROS1 gene promotes flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana by reducing the methylation level of CONSTANS. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 342:112019. [PMID: 38346563 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
DNA demethylation is involved in the regulation of flowering in plants, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. The RELEASE OF SILENCING 1 (ROS1) gene, encoding a DNA demethyltransferase, plays key roles in many developmental processes. In this study, the ROS1 gene was isolated from Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium, where it was strongly expressed in the leaves, buds and flowers. Overexpression of the ClROS1 gene caused an early flowering phenotype in Arabidopsis thaliana. RNA-seq analysis of the transgenic plants revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in the circadian rhythm pathway and that the positive regulator of flowering, CONSTANS (CO), was up-regulated. Additionally, whole-genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS), PCR following methylation-dependent digestion with the enzyme McrBC, and bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) confirmed that the methylation level of the AtCO promoter was reduced, specifically in CG context. Overall, our results demonstrated that ClROS1 accelerates flowering by reducing the methylation level of the AtCO promoter. These findings clarify the epigenetic mechanism by which ClROS1-mediated DNA demethylation regulates flowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongya Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Wenqian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Chenran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Wenchao Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yifei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yanchao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Penghui Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhongai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zicheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Plant Germplasm Resources and Genetic Laboratory, Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Chrysanthemum Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Jinming Road, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China.
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Mabry ME, Abrahams RS, Al-Shehbaz IA, Baker WJ, Barak S, Barker MS, Barrett RL, Beric A, Bhattacharya S, Carey SB, Conant GC, Conran JG, Dassanayake M, Edger PP, Hall JC, Hao Y, Hendriks KP, Hibberd JM, King GJ, Kliebenstein DJ, Koch MA, Leitch IJ, Lens F, Lysak MA, McAlvay AC, McKibben MTW, Mercati F, Moore RC, Mummenhoff K, Murphy DJ, Nikolov LA, Pisias M, Roalson EH, Schranz ME, Thomas SK, Yu Q, Yocca A, Pires JC, Harkess AE. Complementing model species with model clades. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:1205-1226. [PMID: 37824826 PMCID: PMC11062466 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Model species continue to underpin groundbreaking plant science research. At the same time, the phylogenetic resolution of the land plant tree of life continues to improve. The intersection of these 2 research paths creates a unique opportunity to further extend the usefulness of model species across larger taxonomic groups. Here we promote the utility of the Arabidopsis thaliana model species, especially the ability to connect its genetic and functional resources, to species across the entire Brassicales order. We focus on the utility of using genomics and phylogenomics to bridge the evolution and diversification of several traits across the Brassicales to the resources in Arabidopsis, thereby extending scope from a model species by establishing a "model clade." These Brassicales-wide traits are discussed in the context of both the model species Arabidopsis and the family Brassicaceae. We promote the utility of such a "model clade" and make suggestions for building global networks to support future studies in the model order Brassicales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie E Mabry
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - R Shawn Abrahams
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | | | | | - Simon Barak
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Michael S Barker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Russell L Barrett
- National Herbarium of New South Wales, Australian Botanic Garden, Locked Bag 6002, Mount Annan, NSW 2567, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Beric
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Samik Bhattacharya
- Department of Biology, Botany, University of Osnabrück, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Sarah B Carey
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - Gavin C Conant
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics Research Center, Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - John G Conran
- ACEBB and SGC, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Maheshi Dassanayake
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Patrick P Edger
- Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA
| | - Jocelyn C Hall
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Yue Hao
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Kasper P Hendriks
- Department of Biology, Botany, University of Osnabrück, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
- Functional Traits, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box 9517, Leiden 2300 RA, the Netherlands
| | - Julian M Hibberd
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Graham J King
- Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | | | - Marcus A Koch
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilia J Leitch
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Frederic Lens
- Functional Traits, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box 9517, Leiden 2300 RA, the Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Plant Sciences, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martin A Lysak
- CEITEC, and NCBR, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alex C McAlvay
- Institute of Economic Botany, New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Michael T W McKibben
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Francesco Mercati
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresource (IBBR), Palermo 90129, Italy
| | | | - Klaus Mummenhoff
- Department of Biology, Botany, University of Osnabrück, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Daniel J Murphy
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | | | - Michael Pisias
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Eric H Roalson
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - M Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Shawn K Thomas
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Bioinformatics and Analytics Core, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qingyi Yu
- Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Alan Yocca
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - J Chris Pires
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1170, USA
| | - Alex E Harkess
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
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Yadav S, Yadava YK, Meena S, Kalwan G, Bharadwaj C, Paul V, Kansal R, Gaikwad K, Jain PK. Novel insights into drought-induced regulation of ribosomal genes through DNA methylation in chickpea. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131380. [PMID: 38580022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Modifications within the epigenome of an organism in response to external environmental conditions allow it to withstand the hostile stress factors. Drought in chickpea is a severely limiting abiotic stress factor which is known to cause huge yield loss. To analyse the methylome of chickpea in response to drought stress conditions and how it affects gene expression, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-seq of two chickpea genotypes which contrast for drought tolerance. It was observed that the mCHH was most variable under drought stress and the drought tolerant (DT) genotype exhibited substantial genome-wide hypomethylation as compared to the drought sensitive (DS) genotype. Specifically, there was substantial difference in gene expression and methylation for the ribosomal genes for the tolerant and sensitive genotypes. The differential expression of these genes was in complete agreement with earlier reported transcriptomes in chickpea. Many of these genes were hypomethylated (q < 0.01) and downregulated under drought stress (p < 0.01) in the sensitive genotype. The gene RPS6 (ribosomal protein small subunit) was found to be downregulated and hypomethylated in the drought sensitive genotype which could possibly lead to reduced ribosomal biosynthesis. This study provides novel insights into regulation of drought-responsive genes in chickpea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheel Yadav
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India; PG School, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Yashwant K Yadava
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Shashi Meena
- PG School, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India; Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Gopal Kalwan
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India; PG School, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - C Bharadwaj
- Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Vijay Paul
- Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Rekha Kansal
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Kishor Gaikwad
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - P K Jain
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India.
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37
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Sun Y, Wang X, Di Y, Li J, Li K, Wei H, Zhang F, Su Z. Systematic Analysis of DNA Demethylase Gene Families in Foxtail Millet ( Setaria italica L.) and Their Expression Variations after Abiotic Stresses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4464. [PMID: 38674049 PMCID: PMC11050331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a highly conserved epigenetic modification involved in many biological processes, including growth and development, stress response, and secondary metabolism. DNA demethylase (DNA-deMTase) genes have been identified in some plant species; however, there are no reports on the identification and analysis of DNA-deMTase genes in Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). In this study, seven DNA-deMTases were identified in S. italica. These DNA-deMTase genes were divided into four subfamilies (DML5, DML4, DML3, and ROS1) by phylogenetic and gene structure analysis. Further analysis shows that the physical and chemical properties of these DNA-deMTases proteins are similar, contain the typical conserved domains of ENCO3c and are located in the nucleus. Furthermore, multiple cis-acting elements were observed in DNA-deMTases, including light responsiveness, phytohormone responsiveness, stress responsiveness, and elements related to plant growth and development. The DNA-deMTase genes are expressed in all tissues detected with certain tissue specificity. Then, we investigated the abundance of DNA-deMTase transcripts under abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, ABA, and MeJA). The results showed that different genes of DNA-deMTases were involved in the regulation of different abiotic stresses. In total, our findings will provide a basis for the roles of DNA-deMTase in response to abiotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (Y.D.); (J.L.); (K.L.); (H.W.); (F.Z.)
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (Y.D.); (J.L.); (K.L.); (H.W.); (F.Z.)
| | - Yunfei Di
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (Y.D.); (J.L.); (K.L.); (H.W.); (F.Z.)
| | - Jinxiu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (Y.D.); (J.L.); (K.L.); (H.W.); (F.Z.)
| | - Keyu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (Y.D.); (J.L.); (K.L.); (H.W.); (F.Z.)
| | - Huanhuan Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (Y.D.); (J.L.); (K.L.); (H.W.); (F.Z.)
| | - Fan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (Y.D.); (J.L.); (K.L.); (H.W.); (F.Z.)
| | - Zhenxia Su
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; (Y.S.); (X.W.); (Y.D.); (J.L.); (K.L.); (H.W.); (F.Z.)
- Xinghuacun College (Shanxi Institute of Brewing Technology and Industry), Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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38
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Junaid MD, Chaudhry UK, Şanlı BA, Gökçe AF, Öztürk ZN. A review of the potential involvement of small RNAs in transgenerational abiotic stress memory in plants. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:74. [PMID: 38600306 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01354-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crop production is increasingly threatened by the escalating weather events and rising temperatures associated with global climate change. Plants have evolved adaptive mechanisms, including stress memory, to cope with abiotic stresses such as heat, drought, and salinity. Stress memory involves priming, where plants remember prior stress exposures, providing enhanced responses to subsequent stress events. Stress memory can manifest as somatic, intergenerational, or transgenerational memory, persisting for different durations. The chromatin, a central regulator of gene expression, undergoes modifications like DNA acetylation, methylation, and histone variations in response to abiotic stress. Histone modifications, such as H3K4me3 and acetylation, play crucial roles in regulating gene expression. Abiotic stresses like drought and salinity are significant challenges to crop production, leading to yield reductions. Plant responses to stress involve strategies like escape, avoidance, and tolerance, each influencing growth stages differently. Soil salinity affects plant growth by disrupting water potential, causing ion toxicity, and inhibiting nutrient uptake. Understanding plant responses to these stresses requires insights into histone-mediated modifications, chromatin remodeling, and the role of small RNAs in stress memory. Histone-mediated modifications, including acetylation and methylation, contribute to epigenetic stress memory, influencing plant adaptation to environmental stressors. Chromatin remodeling play a crucial role in abiotic stress responses, affecting the expression of stress-related genes. Small RNAs; miRNAs and siRNAs, participate in stress memory pathways by guiding DNA methylation and histone modifications. The interplay of these epigenetic mechanisms helps plants adapt to recurring stress events and enhance their resilience. In conclusion, unraveling the epigenetic mechanisms in plant responses to abiotic stresses provides valuable insights for developing resilient agricultural techniques. Understanding how plants utilize stress memory, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and small RNAs is crucial for designing strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on crop production and global food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Daniyal Junaid
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Türkiye, Turkey.
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Usman Khalid Chaudhry
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Türkiye, Turkey
- Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Beyazıt Abdurrahman Şanlı
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Türkiye, Turkey
| | - Ali Fuat Gökçe
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Türkiye, Turkey
| | - Zahide Neslihan Öztürk
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Ayhan Şahenk Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Türkiye, Turkey
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Huang Y, Lee YCG. Blessing or curse: how the epigenetic resolution of host-transposable element conflicts shapes their evolutionary dynamics. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232775. [PMID: 38593848 PMCID: PMC11003778 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are selfish genetic elements whose antagonistic interactions with hosts represent a common genetic conflict in eukaryotes. To resolve this conflict, hosts have widely adopted epigenetic silencing that deposits repressive marks at TEs. However, this mechanism is imperfect and fails to fully halt TE replication. Furthermore, TE epigenetic silencing can inadvertently spread repressive marks to adjacent functional sequences, a phenomenon considered a 'curse' of this conflict resolution. Here, we used forward simulations to explore how TE epigenetic silencing and its harmful side effects shape the evolutionary dynamics of TEs and their hosts. Our findings reveal that epigenetic silencing allows TEs and their hosts to stably coexist under a wide range of conditions, because the underlying molecular mechanisms give rise to copy-number dependency of the strength of TE silencing. Interestingly, contrary to intuitive expectations that TE epigenetic silencing should evolve to be as strong as possible, we found a selective benefit for modifier alleles that weaken TE silencing under biologically feasible conditions. These results reveal that the dual nature of TE epigenetic silencing, with both positive and negative effects, complicates its evolutionary trajectory and makes it challenging to determine whether TE epigenetic silencing is a 'blessing' or a 'curse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Huang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Yuh Chwen G. Lee
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, USA
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40
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Harkess A, Bewick AJ, Lu Z, Fourounjian P, Michael TP, Schmitz RJ, Meyers BC. The unusual predominance of maintenance DNA methylation in Spirodela polyrhiza. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae004. [PMID: 38190722 PMCID: PMC10989885 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Duckweeds are among the fastest reproducing plants, able to clonally divide at exponential rates. However, the genetic and epigenetic impact of clonality on plant genomes is poorly understood. 5-methylcytosine (5mC) is a modified base often described as necessary for the proper regulation of certain genes and transposons and for the maintenance of genome integrity in plants. However, the extent of this dogma is limited by the current phylogenetic sampling of land plant species diversity. Here we analyzed DNA methylomes, small RNAs, mRNA-seq, and H3K9me2 histone modification for Spirodela polyrhiza. S. polyrhiza has lost highly conserved genes involved in de novo methylation of DNA at sites often associated with repetitive DNA, and within genes, however, symmetrical DNA methylation and heterochromatin are maintained during cell division at certain transposons and repeats. Consequently, small RNAs that normally guide methylation to silence repetitive DNA like retrotransposons are diminished. Despite the loss of a highly conserved methylation pathway, and the reduction of small RNAs that normally target repetitive DNA, transposons have not proliferated in the genome, perhaps due in part to the rapid, clonal growth lifestyle of duckweeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Harkess
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Adam J Bewick
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Zefu Lu
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Paul Fourounjian
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Todd P Michael
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Robert J Schmitz
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Blake C Meyers
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO 63132, USA
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri—Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Shi D, Huang H, Zhang Y, Qian Z, Du J, Huang L, Yan X, Lin S. The roles of non-coding RNAs in male reproductive development and abiotic stress responses during this unique process in flowering plants. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 341:111995. [PMID: 38266717 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.111995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Successful male reproductive development is the guarantee for sexual reproduction of flowering plants. Male reproductive development is a complicated and multi-stage process that integrates physiological processes and adaptation and tolerance to a myriad of environmental stresses. This well-coordinated process is governed by genetic and epigenetic machineries. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play pleiotropic roles in the plant growth and development. The identification, characterization and functional analysis of ncRNAs and their target genes have opened a new avenue for comprehensively revealing the regulatory network of male reproductive development and its response to environmental stresses in plants. This review briefly addresses the types, origin, biogenesis and mechanisms of ncRNAs in plants, highlights important updates on the roles of ncRNAs in regulating male reproductive development and emphasizes the contribution of ncRNAs, especially miRNAs and lncRNAs, in responses to abiotic stresses during this unique process in flowering plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexi Shi
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Huiting Huang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhihao Qian
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiao Du
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Li Huang
- Laboratory of Cell & Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiufeng Yan
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Sue Lin
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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42
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Kakoulidou I, Piecyk RS, Meyer RC, Kuhlmann M, Gutjahr C, Altmann T, Johannes F. Mapping parental DMRs predictive of local and distal methylome remodeling in epigenetic F1 hybrids. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402599. [PMID: 38290756 PMCID: PMC10828516 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
F1 hybrids derived from a cross between two inbred parental lines often display widespread changes in DNA methylation and gene expression patterns relative to their parents. An emerging challenge is to understand how parental epigenomic differences contribute to these events. Here, we generated a large mapping panel of F1 epigenetic hybrids, whose parents are isogenic but variable in their DNA methylation patterns. Using a combination of multi-omic profiling and epigenetic mapping strategies we show that differentially methylated regions in parental pericentromeres act as major reorganizers of hybrid methylomes and transcriptomes, even in the absence of genetic variation. These parental differentially methylated regions are associated with hybrid methylation remodeling events at thousands of target regions throughout the genome, both locally (in cis) and distally (in trans). Many of these distally-induced methylation changes lead to nonadditive expression of nearby genes and associate with phenotypic heterosis. Our study highlights the pleiotropic potential of parental pericentromeres in the functional remodeling of hybrid genomes and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kakoulidou
- https://ror.org/02kkvpp62 Plant Epigenomics, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert S Piecyk
- https://ror.org/02kkvpp62 Plant Epigenomics, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rhonda C Meyer
- https://ror.org/02skbsp27 Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Markus Kuhlmann
- https://ror.org/02skbsp27 Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Caroline Gutjahr
- Plant Genetics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Thomas Altmann
- https://ror.org/02skbsp27 Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Frank Johannes
- https://ror.org/02kkvpp62 Plant Epigenomics, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- https://ror.org/02kkvpp62 Institute of Advanced Studies, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Dew-Budd KJ, Chow HT, Kendall T, David BC, Rozelle JA, Mosher RA, Beilstein MA. Mating system is associated with seed phenotypes upon loss of RNA-directed DNA methylation in Brassicaceae. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2136-2148. [PMID: 37987565 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
In plants, de novo DNA methylation is guided by 24-nt short interfering (si)RNAs in a process called RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Primarily targeted at transposons, RdDM causes transcriptional silencing and can indirectly influence expression of neighboring genes. During reproduction, a small number of siRNA loci are dramatically upregulated in the maternally derived seed coat, suggesting that RdDM might have a special function during reproduction. However, the developmental consequence of RdDM has been difficult to dissect because disruption of RdDM does not result in overt phenotypes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), where the pathway has been most thoroughly studied. In contrast, Brassica rapa mutants lacking RdDM have a severe seed production defect, which is determined by the maternal sporophytic genotype. To explore the factors that underlie the different phenotypes of these species, we produced RdDM mutations in 3 additional members of the Brassicaceae family: Camelina sativa, Capsella rubella, and Capsella grandiflora. Among these 3 species, only mutations in the obligate outcrosser, C. grandiflora, displayed a seed production defect similar to Brassica rapa mutants, suggesting that mating system is a key determinant for reproductive phenotypes in RdDM mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Dew-Budd
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Hiu Tung Chow
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Timmy Kendall
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Brandon C David
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - James A Rozelle
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Rebecca A Mosher
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Mark A Beilstein
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Li J, Zhang Q, Wang Z, Liu Q. The roles of epigenetic regulators in plant regeneration: Exploring patterns amidst complex conditions. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2022-2038. [PMID: 38290051 PMCID: PMC10980418 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Plants possess remarkable capability to regenerate upon tissue damage or optimal environmental stimuli. This ability not only serves as a crucial strategy for immobile plants to survive through harsh environments, but also made numerous modern plant improvements techniques possible. At the cellular level, this biological process involves dynamic changes in gene expression that redirect cell fate transitions. It is increasingly recognized that chromatin epigenetic modifications, both activating and repressive, intricately interact to regulate this process. Moreover, the outcomes of epigenetic regulation on regeneration are influenced by factors such as the differences in regenerative plant species and donor tissue types, as well as the concentration and timing of hormone treatments. In this review, we focus on several well-characterized epigenetic modifications and their regulatory roles in the expression of widely studied morphogenic regulators, aiming to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications govern plant regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zejia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qikun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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45
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Liu J, Zhong X. Population epigenetics: DNA methylation in the plant omics era. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2039-2048. [PMID: 38366882 PMCID: PMC10980424 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays an important role in many biological processes. The mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation are well understood thanks to decades of research using DNA methylation mutants, primarily in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accession Col-0. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using the methylomes of natural accessions have uncovered a complex and distinct genetic basis of variation in DNA methylation at the population level. Sequencing following bisulfite treatment has served as an excellent method for quantifying DNA methylation. Unlike studies focusing on specific accessions with reference genomes, population-scale methylome research often requires an additional round of sequencing beyond obtaining genome assemblies or genetic variations from whole-genome sequencing data, which can be cost prohibitive. Here, we provide an overview of recently developed bisulfite-free methods for quantifying methylation and cost-effective approaches for the simultaneous detection of genetic and epigenetic information. We also discuss the plasticity of DNA methylation in a specific Arabidopsis accession, the contribution of DNA methylation to plant adaptation, and the genetic determinants of variation in DNA methylation in natural populations. The recently developed technology and knowledge will greatly benefit future studies in population epigenomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Xuehua Zhong
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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46
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Liu B, Yang D, Wang D, Liang C, Wang J, Lisch D, Zhao M. Heritable changes of epialleles near genes in maize can be triggered in the absence of CHH methylation. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2511-2532. [PMID: 38109503 PMCID: PMC10980416 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Trans-chromosomal interactions resulting in changes in DNA methylation during hybridization have been observed in several plant species. However, little is known about the causes or consequences of these interactions. Here, we compared DNA methylomes of F1 hybrids that are mutant for a small RNA biogenesis gene, Mop1 (Mediator of paramutation1), with that of their parents, wild-type siblings, and backcrossed progeny in maize (Zea mays). Our data show that hybridization triggers global changes in both trans-chromosomal methylation (TCM) and trans-chromosomal demethylation (TCdM), most of which involved changes in CHH methylation. In more than 60% of these TCM differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in which small RNAs are available, no significant changes in the quantity of small RNAs were observed. Methylation at the CHH TCM DMRs was largely lost in the mop1 mutant, although the effects of this mutant varied depending on the location of these DMRs. Interestingly, an increase in CHH at TCM DMRs was associated with enhanced expression of a subset of highly expressed genes and suppressed expression of a small number of lowly expressed genes. Examination of the methylation levels in backcrossed plants demonstrates that both TCM and TCdM can be maintained in the subsequent generation, but that TCdM is more stable than TCM. Surprisingly, although increased CHH methylation in most TCM DMRs in F1 plants required Mop1, initiation of a new epigenetic state of these DMRs did not require a functional copy of this gene, suggesting that initiation of these changes is independent of RNA-directed DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Liu
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Diya Yang
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Dafang Wang
- Biology Department, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Jianping Wang
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Damon Lisch
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Meixia Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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47
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Xu D, Zeng L, Wang L, Yang DL. Rice requires a chromatin remodeler for Polymerase IV-small interfering RNA production and genomic immunity. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2149-2164. [PMID: 37992039 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Transgenes are often spontaneously silenced, which hinders the application of genetic modifications to crop breeding. While gene silencing has been extensively studied in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the molecular mechanism of transgene silencing remains elusive in crop plants. We used rice (Oryza sativa) plants silenced for a 35S::OsGA2ox1 (Gibberellin 2-oxidase 1) transgene to isolate five elements mountain (fem) mutants showing restoration of transgene expression. In this study, we isolated multiple fem2 mutants defective in a homolog of Required to Maintain Repression 1 (RMR1) of maize (Zea mays) and CLASSY (CLSY) of Arabidopsis. In addition to failing to maintain transgene silencing, as occurs in fem3, in which mutation occurs in NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE E1 (OsNRPE1), the fem2 mutant failed to establish transgene silencing of 35S::OsGA2ox1. Mutation in FEM2 eliminated all RNA POLYMERASE IV (Pol-IV)-FEM1/OsRDR2 (RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 2)-dependent small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), reduced DNA methylation on genome-wide scale in rice seedlings, caused pleiotropic developmental defects, and increased disease resistance. Simultaneous mutation in 2 FEM2 homologous genes, FEM2-Like 1 (FEL1) and FEL2, however, did not affect DNA methylation and rice development and disease resistance. The predominant expression of FEM2 over FEL1 and FEL2 in various tissues was likely caused by epigenetic states. Overexpression of FEL1 but not FEL2 partially rescued hypomethylation of fem2, indicating that FEL1 maintains the cryptic function. In summary, FEM2 is essential for establishing and maintaining gene silencing; moreover, FEM2 is solely required for Pol IV-FEM1 siRNA biosynthesis and de novo DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dachao Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Longjun Zeng
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Yichun Academy of Sciences, Yichun, 336000 Jiangxi, China
| | - Lili Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dong-Lei Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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48
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Ren Z, Gou R, Zhuo W, Chen Z, Yin X, Cao Y, Wang Y, Mi Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Fan LM, Deng XW, Qian W. The MBD-ACD DNA methylation reader complex recruits MICRORCHIDIA6 to regulate ribosomal RNA gene expression in Arabidopsis. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:1098-1118. [PMID: 38092516 PMCID: PMC10980342 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark implicated in selective rRNA gene expression, but the DNA methylation readers and effectors remain largely unknown. Here, we report a protein complex that reads DNA methylation to regulate variant-specific 45S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene expression in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The complex, consisting of METHYL-CpG-BINDING DOMAIN PROTEIN5 (MBD5), MBD6, ALPHA-CRYSTALLIN DOMAIN PROTEIN15.5 (ACD15.5), and ACD21.4, directly binds to 45S rDNA. While MBD5 and MBD6 function redundantly, ACD15.5 and ACD21.4 are indispensable for variant-specific rRNA gene expression. These 4 proteins undergo phase separation in vitro and in vivo and are interdependent for their phase separation. The α-crystallin domain of ACD15.5 and ACD21.4, which is essential for their function, enables phase separation of the complex, likely by mediating multivalent protein interactions. The effector MICRORCHIDIA6 directly interacts with ACD15.5 and ACD21.4, but not with MBD5 and MBD6, and is recruited to 45S rDNA by the MBD-ACD complex to regulate variant-specific 45S rRNA expression. Our study reveals a pathway in Arabidopsis through which certain 45S rRNA gene variants are silenced, while others are activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitong Ren
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences in Weifang, Peking University Institute of advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, Shandong 261325, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agriculture University, Chengdu 611130, China
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Runyu Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wanqing Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaochang Yin
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences in Weifang, Peking University Institute of advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, Shandong 261325, China
| | - Yuxin Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences in Weifang, Peking University Institute of advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, Shandong 261325, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yingjie Mi
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences in Weifang, Peking University Institute of advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, Shandong 261325, China
| | - Yannan Liu
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yingxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- College of Life Sciences, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Liu-Min Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xing Wang Deng
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences in Weifang, Peking University Institute of advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, Shandong 261325, China
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weiqiang Qian
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences in Weifang, Peking University Institute of advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, Shandong 261325, China
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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49
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Luo JH, Guo T, Wang M, Liu JH, Zheng LM, He Y. RNA m6A modification facilitates DNA methylation during maize kernel development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2165-2182. [PMID: 37995374 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in mRNA and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in DNA have critical functions for regulating gene expression and modulating plant growth and development. However, the interplay between m6A and 5mC is an elusive territory and remains unclear mechanistically in plants. We reported an occurrence of crosstalk between m6A and 5mC in maize (Zea mays) via the interaction between mRNA adenosine methylase (ZmMTA), the core component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, and decrease in DNA methylation 1 (ZmDDM1), a key chromatin-remodeling factor that regulates DNA methylation. Genes with m6A modification were coordinated with a much higher level of DNA methylation than genes without m6A modification. Dysfunction of ZmMTA caused severe arrest during maize embryogenesis and endosperm development, leading to a significant decrease in CHH methylation in the 5' region of m6A-modified genes. Instead, loss of function of ZmDDM1 had no noteworthy effects on ZmMTA-related activity. This study establishes a direct link between m6A and 5mC during maize kernel development and provides insights into the interplay between RNA modification and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ting Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Min Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing-Han Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei-Ming Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan He
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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50
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Jiang J, Xu YC, Zhang ZQ, Chen JF, Niu XM, Hou XH, Li XT, Wang L, Zhang YE, Ge S, Guo YL. Forces driving transposable element load variation during Arabidopsis range expansion. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:840-862. [PMID: 38036296 PMCID: PMC10980350 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Genetic load refers to the accumulated and potentially life-threatening deleterious mutations in populations. Understanding the mechanisms underlying genetic load variation of transposable element (TE) insertion, a major large-effect mutation, during range expansion is an intriguing question in biology. Here, we used 1,115 global natural accessions of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to study the driving forces of TE load variation during its range expansion. TE load increased with range expansion, especially in the recently established Yangtze River basin population. Effective population size, which explains 62.0% of the variance in TE load, high transposition rate, and selective sweeps contributed to TE accumulation in the expanded populations. We genetically mapped and identified multiple candidate causal genes and TEs, and revealed the genetic architecture of TE load variation. Overall, this study reveals the variation in TE genetic load during Arabidopsis expansion and highlights the causes of TE load variation from the perspectives of both population genetics and quantitative genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong-Chao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Zhi-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jia-Fu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Min Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xing-Hui Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xin-Tong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Wang
- Agricultural Synthetic Biology Center, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yong E Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents & Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Song Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ya-Long Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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