Reiterated WG/GW motifs form functionally and evolutionarily conserved ARGONAUTE-binding platforms in RNAi-related components

Citrus psorosis virus 24K protein inhibits the processing of miRNA precursors by interacting with components of the biogenesis machinery

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Virus infections in this crop can interfere with cellular processes, causing dramatic economic losses. By performing RT-qPCR analyses, we demonstrated that citrus psorosis virus (CPsV)-infected orange plants exhibited higher levels of unprocessed microRNA (miRNA) precursors than healthy plants. This result correlated with the reported reduction of mature miRNAs species. The protein 24K, the CPsV suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR), interacts with miRNA precursors in vivo. Thus, this protein becomes a candidate responsible for the increased accumulation of unprocessed miRNAs. We analyzed 24K RNA-binding and protein-protein interaction domains and described patterns of its subcellular localization. We also showed that 24K colocalizes within nuclear D-bodies with the miRNA biogenesis proteins DICER-LIKE 1 (DCL1), HYPONASTIC LEAVES 1 (HYL1), and SERRATE (SE). According to the results of bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co-immunoprecipitation assays, the 24K protein interacts with HYL1 and SE. Thus, 24K may inhibit miRNA processing in CPsV-infected citrus plants by direct interaction with the miRNA processing complex. This work contributes to the understanding of how a virus can alter the regulatory mechanisms of the host, particularly miRNA biogenesis and function.IMPORTANCESweet oranges can suffer from disease symptoms induced by virus infections, thus resulting in drastic economic losses. In sweet orange plants, CPsV alters the accumulation of some precursors from the regulatory molecules called miRNAs. This alteration leads to a decreased level of mature miRNA species. This misregulation may be due to a direct association of one of the viral proteins (24K) with miRNA precursors. On the other hand, 24K may act with components of the cell miRNA processing machinery through a series of predicted RNA-binding and protein-protein interaction domains.

Charophytic Green Algae Encode Ancestral Polymerase IV/Polymerase V Subunits and a CLSY/DRD1 Homolog

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.

SPT6L, a newly discovered ancestral component of the plant RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway

RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is driven by small RNAs (sRNAs) complementary to the nascent transcript of RNA polymerase V (Pol V). sRNAs associated with ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins are tethered to Pol V mainly by the AGO-hook domain of its subunit NRPE1. We found, by in silico analyses, that Pol V strongly colocalizes on chromatin with another AGO-hook protein, SPT6-like (SPT6L), which is a known essential transcription elongation factor of Pol II. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that SPT6L acquired its AGO-binding capacity already in the most basal streptophyte algae, even before the emergence of Pol V, suggesting that SPT6L might be a driving force behind the RdDM evolution. Since its emergence, SPT6L with the AGO-hook represents the only conserved SPT6 homolog in Viridiplantae, implying that the same protein is involved in both Pol II and Pol V complexes. To better understand the role of SPT6L in the Pol V complex, we characterized genomic loci where these two colocalize and uncovered that DNA methylation there is more dynamic, driven by higher levels of sRNAs often from non-canonical RdDM pathways and more dependent on chromatin modifying and remodeling proteins like MORC. Pol V loci with SPT6L are highly depleted in helitrons but enriched in gene promoters for which locally and temporally precise methylation is necessary. In view of these results, we discuss potential roles of multiple AGO-hook domains present in the Pol V complex and speculate that SPT6L mediates de novo methylation of naïve loci by interconnecting Pol II and Pol V activities.

Small-RNA-guided histone modifications and somatic genome elimination in ciliates

Transposable elements and other repeats are repressed by small-RNA-guided histone modifications in fungi, plants and animals. The specificity of silencing is achieved through base-pairing of small RNAs corresponding to the these genomic loci to nascent noncoding RNAs, which allows the recruitment of histone methyltransferases that methylate histone H3 on lysine 9. Self-reinforcing feedback loops enhance small RNA production and ensure robust and heritable repression. In the unicellular ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia, small-RNA-guided histone modifications lead to the elimination of transposable elements and their remnants, a definitive form of repression. In this organism, germline and somatic functions are separated within two types of nuclei with different genomes. At each sexual cycle, development of the somatic genome is accompanied by the reproducible removal of approximately a third of the germline genome. Instead of recruiting a H3K9 methyltransferase, small RNAs corresponding to eliminated sequences tether Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, which in ciliates has the unique property of catalyzing both lysine 9 and lysine 27 trimethylation of histone H3. These histone modifications that are crucial for the elimination of transposable elements are thought to guide the endonuclease complex, which triggers double-strand breaks at these specific genomic loci. The comparison between ciliates and other eukaryotes underscores the importance of investigating small-RNAs-directed chromatin silencing in a diverse range of organisms. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action.

CLSY docking to Pol IV requires a conserved domain critical for small RNA biogenesis and transposon silencing

Eukaryotes must balance the need for gene transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) against the danger of mutations caused by transposable element (TE) proliferation. In plants, these gene expression and TE silencing activities are divided between different RNA polymerases. Specifically, RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV), which evolved from Pol II, transcribes TEs to generate small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that guide DNA methylation and block TE transcription by Pol II. While the Pol IV complex is recruited to TEs via SNF2-like CLASSY (CLSY) proteins, how Pol IV partners with the CLSYs remains unknown. Here we identified a conserved CYC-YPMF motif that is specific to Pol IV and is positioned on the complex exterior. Furthermore, we found that this motif is essential for the co-purification of all four CLSYs with Pol IV, but that only one CLSY is present in any given Pol IV complex. These findings support a "one CLSY per Pol IV" model where the CYC-YPMF motif acts as a CLSY-docking site. Indeed, mutations in and around this motif phenocopy pol iv null mutants. Together, these findings provide structural and functional insights into a critical protein feature that distinguishes Pol IV from other RNA polymerases, allowing it to promote genome stability by targeting TEs for silencing.

DNA-dependent RNA polymerases in plants

DNA-dependent RNA polymerases (Pols) transfer the genetic information stored in genomic DNA to RNA in all organisms. In eukaryotes, the typical products of nuclear Pol I, Pol II, and Pol III are ribosomal RNAs, mRNAs, and transfer RNAs, respectively. Intriguingly, plants possess two additional Pols, Pol IV and Pol V, which produce small RNAs and long noncoding RNAs, respectively, mainly for silencing transposable elements. The five plant Pols share some subunits, but their distinct functions stem from unique subunits that interact with specific regulatory factors in their transcription cycles. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of plant nucleus-localized Pols, including their evolution, function, structures, and transcription cycles.

Beyond transcription: compelling open questions in plant RNA biology

The study of RNAs has become one of the most influential research fields in contemporary biology and biomedicine. In the last few years, new sequencing technologies have produced an explosion of new and exciting discoveries in the field but have also given rise to many open questions. Defining these questions, together with old, long-standing gaps in our knowledge, is the spirit of this article. The breadth of topics within RNA biology research is vast, and every aspect of the biology of these molecules contains countless exciting open questions. Here, we asked 12 groups to discuss their most compelling question among some plant RNA biology topics. The following vignettes cover RNA alternative splicing; RNA dynamics; RNA translation; RNA structures; R-loops; epitranscriptomics; long non-coding RNAs; small RNA production and their functions in crops; small RNAs during gametogenesis and in cross-kingdom RNA interference; and RNA-directed DNA methylation. In each section, we will present the current state-of-the-art in plant RNA biology research before asking the questions that will surely motivate future discoveries in the field. We hope this article will spark a debate about the future perspective on RNA biology and provoke novel reflections in the reader.

Enzymatic reactions of AGO4 in RNA-directed DNA methylation: siRNA duplex loading, passenger strand elimination, target RNA slicing, and sliced target retention

RNA-directed DNA methylation in plants is guided by 24-nt siRNAs generated in parallel with 23-nt RNAs of unknown function. We show that 23-nt RNAs function as passenger strands during 24-nt siRNA incorporation into AGO4. The 23-nt RNAs are then sliced into 11- and 12-nt fragments, with 12-nt fragments remaining associated with AGO4. Slicing recapitulated with recombinant AGO4 and synthetic RNAs reveals that siRNAs of 21-24 nt, with any 5'-terminal nucleotide, can guide slicing, with sliced RNAs then retained by AGO4. In vivo, RdDM target locus RNAs that copurify with AGO4 also display a sequence signature of slicing. Comparing plants expressing slicing-competent versus slicing-defective AGO4 shows that slicing elevates cytosine methylation levels at virtually all RdDM loci. We propose that siRNA passenger strand elimination and AGO4 tethering to sliced target RNAs are distinct modes by which AGO4 slicing enhances RNA-directed DNA methylation.

A null allele of the pol IV second subunit impacts stature and reproductive development in Oryza sativa

All eukaryotes possess three DNA-dependent RNA polymerases, Pols I-III, while land plants possess two additional polymerases, Pol IV and Pol V. Derived through duplication of Pol II subunits, Pol IV produces 24-nt short interfering RNAs that interact with Pol V transcripts to target de novo DNA methylation and silence transcription of transposons. Members of the grass family encode additional duplicated subunits of Pol IV and V, raising questions regarding the function of each paralog. In this study, we identify a null allele of the putative Pol IV second subunit, NRPD2, and demonstrate that NRPD2 is the sole subunit functioning with NRPD1 in small RNA production and CHH methylation in leaves. Homozygous nrpd2 mutants have neither gametophytic defects nor embryo lethality, although adult plants are dwarf and sterile.

N-terminal Ago-binding domain of GW182 contains a tryptophan-rich region that confer binding to the CCR4-NOT complex

GW182 family proteins are a key component of microRNA-protein complex eliciting translational repression and/or degradation of microRNA-targets. MicroRNAs in complex with Argonaute proteins bind to target mRNAs, and GW182 proteins are recruited by association with Argonaute proteins. The GW182 protein acts as a scaffold that links the Argonaute protein to silencing machineries including the CCR4-NOT complex which accelerates deadenylation and inhibits translation. The carboxyl-terminal effector domain of GW182 protein, also called the silencing domain, has been shown to bind to the subunits of the CCR4-NOT complex, the CNOT1 and the CNOT9. Here we show that a small region within the amino-terminal Argonaute-binding domain of human GW182/TNRC6A can associate with the CCR4-NOT complex. This region resides between the two Argonaute-binding sites and contains reiterated GW/WG-motifs. Alanine mutation experiments showed that multiple tryptophan residues are required for the association with the CCR4-NOT complex. Furthermore, co-expression and immunoprecipitation assays suggested that the CNOT9 subunit of the CCR4-NOT complex is a possible binding partner of this region. Our work, taken together with previous studies, indicates that the human GW182 protein contains multiple binding interfaces to the CCR4-NOT complex. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Identification of Silencing Suppressor Protein Encoded by Strawberry Mottle Virus

Strawberry mottle virus (SMoV) is associated with strawberry decline disease, causing losses to fruit yield and quality. In this study, using a screening system that enables detection of both local and systemic plant host (RNA silencing) defense responses, we found that Pro2Glu and P28, encoded by SMoV RNA2 genome, functioned to suppress local and systemic RNA silencing triggered by single- but not double-stranded GFP RNA. Subcellular localization assay revealed that both Pro2Glu and P28 were localized to nucleus and cytoplasm. The deletion of 11 amino acid residues at the C-terminus destabilized Pro2Glu protein, and the disruption of two conserved GW motifs deprived Pro2Glu of ability to suppress RNA silencing. Additionally, SMoV Pro2Glu and P28 enhanced the accumulation of potato virus X (PVX) in Nicotiana benthamiana 22 days post-infiltration, and P28 exacerbated significantly the symptoms of PVX. Collectively, these data indicate that the genome of SMoV RNA2 encodes two suppressors of RNA silencing. This is the first identification of a stramovirus suppressor of RNA silencing.

Moving Beyond DNA Sequence to Improve Plant Stress Responses

Plants offer a habitat for a range of interactions to occur among different stress factors. Epigenetics has become the most promising functional genomics tool, with huge potential for improving plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. Advances in plant molecular biology have dramatically changed our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control these interactions, and plant epigenetics has attracted great interest in this context. Accumulating literature substantiates the crucial role of epigenetics in the diversity of plant responses that can be harnessed to accelerate the progress of crop improvement. However, harnessing epigenetics to its full potential will require a thorough understanding of the epigenetic modifications and assessing the functional relevance of these variants. The modern technologies of profiling and engineering plants at genome-wide scale provide new horizons to elucidate how epigenetic modifications occur in plants in response to stress conditions. This review summarizes recent progress on understanding the epigenetic regulation of plant stress responses, methods to detect genome-wide epigenetic modifications, and disentangling their contributions to plant phenotypes from other sources of variations. Key epigenetic mechanisms underlying stress memory are highlighted. Linking plant response with the patterns of epigenetic variations would help devise breeding strategies for improving crop performance under stressed scenarios.

A DCL3 dicing code within Pol IV-RDR2 transcripts diversifies the siRNA pool guiding RNA-directed DNA methylation

In plants, selfish genetic elements, including retrotransposons and DNA viruses, are transcriptionally silenced by RNA-directed DNA methylation. Guiding the process are short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) cut by DICER-LIKE 3 (DCL3) from double-stranded precursors of ~30 bp that are synthesized by NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE IV (Pol IV) and RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 2 (RDR2). We show that Pol IV's choice of initiating nucleotide, RDR2's initiation 1-2 nt internal to Pol IV transcript ends and RDR2's terminal transferase activity collectively yield a code that influences which precursor end is diced and whether 24 or 23 nt siRNAs are produced. By diversifying the size, sequence, and strand specificity of siRNAs derived from a given precursor, alternative patterns of DCL3 dicing allow for maximal siRNA coverage at methylated target loci.

Life of RISC: Formation, action, and degradation of RNA-induced silencing complex

Small RNAs regulate a wide variety of biological processes by repressing the expression of target genes at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. To achieve these functions, small RNAs form RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) together with a member of the Argonaute (AGO) protein family. RISC is directed by its bound small RNA to target complementary RNAs and represses their expression through mRNA cleavage, degradation, and/or translational repression. Many different factors fine-tune RISC activity and stability-from guide-target RNA complementarity to the recruitment of other protein partners to post-translational modifications of RISC itself. Here, we review recent progress in understanding RISC formation, action, and degradation, and discuss new, intriguing questions in the field.

Brassinosteroids inhibit miRNA-mediated translational repression by decreasing AGO1 on the endoplasmic reticulum

Translational repression is a conserved mechanism in microRNA (miRNA)-guided gene silencing. In Arabidopsis, ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1), the major miRNA effector, localizes in the cytoplasm for mRNA cleavage and at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for translational repression of target genes. However, the mechanism underlying miRNA-mediated translational repression is poorly understood. In particular, how the subcellular partitioning of AGO1 is regulated is largely unexplored. Here, we show that the plant hormone brassinosteroids (BRs) inhibit miRNA-mediated translational repression by negatively regulating the distribution of AGO1 at the ER in Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that the protein levels rather than the transcript levels of miRNA target genes were reduced in BR-deficient mutants but increased under BR treatments. The localization of AGO1 at the ER was significantly decreased under BR treatments while it was increased in the BR-deficient mutants. Moreover, ROTUNDIFOLIA3 (ROT3), an enzyme involved in BR biosynthesis, co-localizes with AGO1 at the ER and interacts with AGO1 in a GW motif-dependent manner. Complementation analysis showed that the AGO1-ROT3 interaction is necessary for the function of ROT3. Our findings provide new clues to understand how miRNA-mediated gene silencing is regulated by plant endogenous hormones.

The effect of RNA polymerase V on 24-nt siRNA accumulation depends on DNA methylation contexts and histone modifications in rice

RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) functions in de novo methylation in CG, CHG, and CHH contexts. Here, we performed map-based cloning of OsNRPE1, which encodes the largest subunit of RNA polymerase V (Pol V), a key regulator of gene silencing and reproductive development in rice. We found that rice Pol V is required for CHH methylation on RdDM loci by transcribing long noncoding RNAs. Pol V influences the accumulation of 24-nucleotide small interfering RNAs (24-nt siRNAs) in a locus-specific manner. Biosynthesis of 24-nt siRNAs on loci with high CHH methylation levels and low CG and CHG methylation levels tends to depend on Pol V. In contrast, low methylation levels in the CHH context and high methylation levels in CG and CHG contexts predisposes 24-nt siRNA accumulation to be independent of Pol V. H3K9me1 and H3K9me2 tend to be enriched on Pol V-independent 24-nt siRNA loci, whereas various active histone modifications are enriched on Pol V-dependent 24-nt siRNA loci. DNA methylation is required for 24-nt siRNAs biosynthesis on Pol V-dependent loci but not on Pol V-independent loci. Our results reveal the function of rice Pol V for long noncoding RNA production, DNA methylation, 24-nt siRNA accumulation, and reproductive development.

Long Noncoding RNAs in Plants

Plants have an extraordinary diversity of transcription machineries, including five nuclear DNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Four of these enzymes are dedicated to the production of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are ribonucleic acids with functions independent of their protein-coding potential. lncRNAs display a broad range of lengths and structures, but they are distinct from the small RNA guides of RNA interference (RNAi) pathways. lncRNAs frequently serve as structural, catalytic, or regulatory molecules for gene expression. They can affect all elements of genes, including promoters, untranslated regions, exons, introns, and terminators, controlling gene expression at various levels, including modifying chromatin accessibility, transcription, splicing, and translation. Certain lncRNAs protect genome integrity, while others respond to environmental cues like temperature, drought, nutrients, and pathogens. In this review, we explain the challenge of defining lncRNAs, introduce the machineries responsible for their production, and organize this knowledge by viewing the functions of lncRNAs throughout the structure of a typical plant gene.

Geminiviral Triggers and Suppressors of Plant Antiviral Immunity

Geminiviruses are circular single-stranded DNA plant viruses encapsidated into geminate virion particles, which infect many crops and vegetables and, hence, represent significant agricultural constraints worldwide. To maintain their broad-range host spectrum and establish productive infection, the geminiviruses must circumvent a potent plant antiviral immune system, which consists of a multilayered perception system represented by RNA interference sensors and effectors, pattern recognition receptors (PRR), and resistance (R) proteins. This recognition system leads to the activation of conserved defense responses that protect plants against different co-existing viral and nonviral pathogens in nature. Furthermore, a specific antiviral cell surface receptor signaling is activated at the onset of geminivirus infection to suppress global translation. This review highlighted these layers of virus perception and host defenses and the mechanisms developed by geminiviruses to overcome the plant antiviral immunity mechanisms.

Assembly of a dsRNA synthesizing complex: RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 2 contacts the largest subunit of NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE IV

Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can inhibit mRNA translation or guide chromatin modifications that inhibit transcription, thus impacting gene regulation. In plants, transcriptional gene silencing involves siRNAs whose double-stranded (ds) precursors are generated by the coupled activities of NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE IV and RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 2. We present evidence that Pol IV-RDR2 association involves contact between RDR2 and NRPD1, Pol IV’s largest catalytic subunit. As the only subunit never shared by Pol II or Pol IV, NRPD1 interaction accounts for RDR2's specific association with Pol IV. The positions of the protein docking sites suggest that Pol IV transcripts are generated in close proximity to RDR2’s catalytic site, enabling RDR2 to efficiently engage Pol IV transcripts and convert them into dsRNAs.

In plants, transcription of selfish genetic elements such as transposons and DNA viruses is suppressed by RNA-directed DNA methylation. This process is guided by 24-nt short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) whose double-stranded precursors are synthesized by DNA-dependent NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE IV (Pol IV) and RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 2 (RDR2). Pol IV and RDR2 coimmunoprecipitate, and their activities are tightly coupled, yet the basis for their association is unknown. Here, we show that an interval near the RDR2 active site contacts the Pol IV catalytic subunit, NRPD1, the largest of Pol IV’s 12 subunits. Contacts between the catalytic regions of the two enzymes suggests that RDR2 is positioned to rapidly engage the free 3′ ends of Pol IV transcripts and convert these single-stranded transcripts into double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs).

Non-coding RNA polymerases that silence transposable elements and reprogram gene expression in plants

Multisubunit RNA polymerase (Pol) complexes are the core machinery for gene expression in eukaryotes. The enzymes Pol I, Pol II and Pol III transcribe distinct subsets of nuclear genes. This family of nuclear RNA polymerases expanded in terrestrial plants by the duplication of Pol II subunit genes. Two Pol II-related enzymes, Pol IV and Pol V, are highly specialized in the production of regulatory, non-coding RNAs. Pol IV and Pol V are the central players of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), an RNA interference pathway that represses transposable elements (TEs) and selected genes. Genetic and biochemical analyses of Pol IV/V subunits are now revealing how these enzymes evolved from ancestral Pol II to sustain non-coding RNA biogenesis in silent chromatin. Intriguingly, Pol IV-RdDM regulates genes that influence flowering time, reproductive development, stress responses and plant–pathogen interactions. Pol IV target genes vary among closely related taxa, indicating that these regulatory circuits are often species-specific. Data from crops like maize, rice, tomato and Brassicarapa suggest that dynamic repositioning of TEs, accompanied by Pol IV targeting to TE-proximal genes, leads to the reprogramming of plant gene expression over short evolutionary timescales.

What does it take to be antiviral? An Argonaute-centered perspective on plant antiviral defense

RNA silencing is a major mechanism of constitutive antiviral defense in plants, mediated by a number of proteins, including the Dicer-like (DCL) and Argonaute (AGO) endoribonucleases. Both DCL and AGO protein families comprise multiple members. In particular, the AGO protein family has expanded considerably in different plant lineages, with different family members having specialized functions. Although the general mode of action of AGO proteins is well established, the properties that make different AGO proteins more or less efficient at targeting viruses are less well understood. In this report, we review methodologies used to study AGO antiviral activity and current knowledge about which AGO family members are involved in antiviral defense. In addition, we discuss what is known about the different properties of AGO proteins thought to be associated with this function.

The potyviral silencing suppressor HCPro recruits and employs host ARGONAUTE1 in pro-viral functions

In this study, we demonstrate a novel pro-viral role for the Nicotiana benthamiana ARGONAUTE 1 (AGO1) in potyvirus infection. AGO1 strongly enhanced potato virus A (PVA) particle production and benefited the infection when supplied in excess. We subsequently identified the potyviral silencing suppressor, helper-component protease (HCPro), as the recruiter of host AGO1. After the identification of a conserved AGO1-binding GW/WG motif in potyviral HCPros, we used site-directed mutagenesis to introduce a tryptophan-to-alanine change into the HCPro (HCProAG) of PVA (PVAAG) and turnip mosaic virus (TuMVAG). AGO1 co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation with PVA HCPro was significantly reduced by the mutation suggesting the interaction was compromised. Although the mutation did not interfere with HCPro's complementation or silencing suppression capacity, it nevertheless impaired virus particle accumulation and the systemic spread of both PVA and TuMV. Furthermore, we found that the HCPro-AGO1 interaction was important for AGO1's association with the PVA coat protein. The coat protein was also more stable in wild type PVA infection than in PVAAG infection. Based on these findings we suggest that potyviral HCPro recruits host AGO1 through its WG motif and engages AGO1 in the production of stable virus particles, which are required for an efficient systemic infection.

Cellular Prion Protein (PrPc): Putative Interacting Partners and Consequences of the Interaction

Cellular prion protein (PrPc) is a small glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored protein most abundantly found in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane (PM) in the central nervous system (CNS). PrPc misfolding causes neurodegenerative prion diseases in the CNS. PrPc interacts with a wide range of protein partners because of the intrinsically disordered nature of the protein’s N-terminus. Numerous studies have attempted to decipher the physiological role of the prion protein by searching for proteins which interact with PrPc. Biochemical characteristics and biological functions both appear to be affected by interacting protein partners. The key challenge in identifying a potential interacting partner is to demonstrate that binding to a specific ligand is necessary for cellular physiological function or malfunction. In this review, we have summarized the intracellular and extracellular interacting partners of PrPc and potential consequences of their binding. We also briefly describe prion disease-related mutations at the end of this review.

Methylation of MdMYB1 locus mediated by RdDM pathway regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple

Methylation at the MdMYB1 promoter in apple sports has been reported as a regulator of the anthocyanin pathway, but little is known about how the locus is recognized by the methylation machinery to regulate anthocyanin accumulation. In this study, we analysed three differently coloured 'Fuji' apples and found that differences in the transcript levels of MdMYB1, which encodes a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, control the anthocyanin content (and therefore colour) in fruit skin. The CHH methylation levels in the MR3 region (-1246 to -780) of the MdMYB1 promoter were found to be negatively correlated with MdMYB1 expression. Thus, they were ideal materials to study DNA methylation in apple sports. The protein of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway responsible for CHH methylation, MdAGO4, was found to interact with the MdMYB1 promoter. MdAGO4s can interact with MdRDM1 and MdDRM2s to form an effector complex, fulfilling CHH methylation. When MdAGO4s and MdDRM2s were overexpressed in apple calli and Arabidopsis mutants, those proteins increase the CHH methylation of AGO4-binding sites. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, MdAGO4s were found to specifically bind to sequence containing ATATCAGA. Knockdown of MdNRPE1 did not affect the binding of MdAGO4s to the c3 region of the MdMYB1 promoter in 35S::AGO4 calli. Taken together, our data show that the MdMYB1 locus is methylated through binding of MdAGO4s to the MdMYB1 promoter to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by the RdDM pathway.

Double-edged sword: The evolutionary consequences of the epigenetic silencing of transposable elements

Transposable elements (TEs) are genomic parasites that selfishly replicate at the expense of host fitness. Fifty years of evolutionary studies of TEs have concentrated on the deleterious genetic effects of TEs, such as their effects on disrupting genes and regulatory sequences. However, a flurry of recent work suggests that there is another important source of TEs' harmful effects-epigenetic silencing. Host genomes typically silence TEs by the deposition of repressive epigenetic marks. While this silencing reduces the selfish replication of TEs and should benefit hosts, a picture is emerging that the epigenetic silencing of TEs triggers inadvertent spreading of repressive marks to otherwise expressed neighboring genes, ultimately jeopardizing host fitness. In this Review, we provide a long-overdue overview of the recent genome-wide evidence for the presence and prevalence of TEs' epigenetic effects, highlighting both the similarities and differences across mammals, insects, and plants. We lay out the current understanding of the functional and fitness consequences of TEs' epigenetic effects, and propose possible influences of such effects on the evolution of both hosts and TEs themselves. These unique evolutionary consequences indicate that TEs' epigenetic effect is not only a crucial component of TE biology but could also be a significant contributor to genome function and evolution.

Abundant expression of maternal siRNAs is a conserved feature of seed development

Small RNAs are abundant in plant reproductive tissues, especially 24-nucleotide (nt) small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Most 24-nt siRNAs are dependent on RNA Pol IV and RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 2 (RDR2) and establish DNA methylation at thousands of genomic loci in a process called RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). In Brassica rapa, RdDM is required in the maternal sporophyte for successful seed development. Here, we demonstrate that a small number of siRNA loci account for over 90% of siRNA expression during B. rapa seed development. These loci exhibit unique characteristics with regard to their copy number and association with genomic features, but they resemble canonical 24-nt siRNA loci in their dependence on RNA Pol IV/RDR2 and role in RdDM. These loci are expressed in ovules before fertilization and in the seed coat, embryo, and endosperm following fertilization. We observed a similar pattern of 24-nt siRNA expression in diverse angiosperms despite rapid sequence evolution at siren loci. In the endosperm, siren siRNAs show a marked maternal bias, and siren expression in maternal sporophytic tissues is required for siren siRNA accumulation. Together, these results demonstrate that seed development occurs under the influence of abundant maternal siRNAs that might be transported to, and function in, filial tissues.

MicroRNAs: From Mechanism to Organism

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, regulatory RNAs that act as post-transcriptional repressors of gene expression in diverse biological contexts. The emergence of small RNA-mediated gene silencing preceded the onset of multicellularity and was followed by a drastic expansion of the miRNA repertoire in conjunction with the evolution of complexity in the plant and animal kingdoms. Along this process, miRNAs became an essential feature of animal development, as no higher metazoan lineage tolerated loss of miRNAs or their associated protein machinery. In fact, ablation of the miRNA biogenesis machinery or the effector silencing factors results in severe embryogenesis defects in every animal studied. In this review, we summarize recent mechanistic insight into miRNA biogenesis and function, while emphasizing features that have enabled multicellular organisms to harness the potential of this broad class of repressors. We first discuss how different mechanisms of regulation of miRNA biogenesis are used, not only to generate spatio-temporal specificity of miRNA production within an animal, but also to achieve the necessary levels and dynamics of expression. We then explore how evolution of the mechanism for small RNA-mediated repression resulted in a diversity of silencing complexes that cause different molecular effects on their targets. Multicellular organisms have taken advantage of this variability in the outcome of miRNA-mediated repression, with differential use in particular cell types or even distinct subcellular compartments. Finally, we present an overview of how the animal miRNA repertoire has evolved and diversified, emphasizing the emergence of miRNA families and the biological implications of miRNA sequence diversification. Overall, focusing on selected animal models and through the lens of evolution, we highlight canonical mechanisms in miRNA biology and their variations, providing updated insight that will ultimately help us understand the contribution of miRNAs to the development and physiology of multicellular organisms.

Reconstitution of siRNA Biogenesis In Vitro: Novel Reaction Mechanisms and RNA Channeling in the RNA-Directed DNA Methylation Pathway

Eukaryotes deploy RNA-mediated gene silencing pathways to guard their genomes against selfish genetic elements, such as transposable elements and invading viruses. In plants, RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is used to silence selfish elements at the level of transcription. This process involves 24-nt short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and longer noncoding RNAs to which the siRNAs base-pair. Recently, we showed that 24-nt siRNA biogenesis could be recapitulated in the test tube using purified enzymes, yielding biochemical answers to numerous questions left unresolved by prior genetic and genomic studies. Interestingly, each enzyme has activities that program what happens in the next step, thus channeling the RNAs within the RdDM pathway and restricting their diversion into alternative pathways. However, a similar mechanistic understanding is lacking for other important steps of the RdDM pathway. We discuss some of the steps most in need of biochemical investigation and important questions still in need of answers.

Reaction Mechanisms of Pol IV, RDR2, and DCL3 Drive RNA Channeling in the siRNA-Directed DNA Methylation Pathway

In eukaryotes with multiple small RNA pathways, the mechanisms that channel RNAs within specific pathways are unclear. Here, we reveal the reactions that account for channeling in the small interfering RNA (siRNA) biogenesis phase of the Arabidopsis RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway. The process begins with template DNA transcription by NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE IV (Pol IV), whose atypical termination mechanism, induced by nontemplate DNA base-pairing, channels transcripts to the associated RNA-dependent RNA polymerase RDR2. RDR2 converts Pol IV transcripts into double-stranded RNAs and then typically adds an extra untemplated 3' terminal nucleotide to the second strands. The dicer endonuclease DCL3 cuts resulting duplexes to generate 24- and 23-nt siRNAs. The 23-nt RNAs bear the untemplated terminal nucleotide of the RDR2 strand and are underrepresented among ARGONAUTE4-associated siRNAs. Collectively, our results provide mechanistic insights into Pol IV termination, Pol IV-RDR2 coupling, and RNA channeling, from template DNA transcription to siRNA strand discrimination.

The NRPD1 N-terminus contains a Pol IV-specific motif that is critical for genome surveillance in Arabidopsis

RNA-guided surveillance systems constrain the activity of transposable elements (TEs) in host genomes. In plants, RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV) transcribes TEs into primary transcripts from which RDR2 synthesizes double-stranded RNA precursors for small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that guide TE methylation and silencing. How the core subunits of Pol IV, homologs of RNA polymerase II subunits, diverged to support siRNA biogenesis in a TE-rich, repressive chromatin context is not well understood. Here we studied the N-terminus of Pol IV’s largest subunit, NRPD1. Arabidopsis lines harboring missense mutations in this N-terminus produce wild-type (WT) levels of NRPD1, which co-purifies with other Pol IV subunits and RDR2. Our in vitro transcription and genomic analyses reveal that the NRPD1 N-terminus is critical for robust Pol IV-dependent transcription, siRNA production and DNA methylation. However, residual RNA-directed DNA methylation observed in one mutant genotype indicates that Pol IV can operate uncoupled from the high siRNA levels typically observed in WT plants. This mutation disrupts a motif uniquely conserved in Pol IV, crippling the enzyme's ability to inhibit retrotransposon mobilization. We propose that the NRPD1 N-terminus motif evolved to regulate Pol IV function in genome surveillance.

Detailed insight into the dynamics of the initial phases of de novo RNA-directed DNA methylation in plant cells

BACKGROUND

Methylation of cytosines is an evolutionarily conserved epigenetic mark that is essential for the control of chromatin activity in many taxa. It acts mainly repressively, causing transcriptional gene silencing. In plants, de novo DNA methylation is established mainly by RNA-directed DNA-methylation pathway. Even though the protein machinery involved is relatively well-described, the course of the initial phases remains covert.

RESULTS

We show the first detailed description of de novo DNA-methylation dynamics. Since prevalent plant model systems do not provide the possibility to collect homogenously responding material in time series with short intervals, we developed a convenient system based on tobacco BY-2 cell lines with inducible production of siRNAs (from an RNA hairpin) guiding the methylation machinery to the CaMV 35S promoter controlling GFP reporter. These lines responded very synchronously, and a high level of promoter-specific siRNAs triggered rapid promoter methylation with the first increase observed already 12 h after the induction. The previous presence of CG methylation in the promoter did not affect the methylation dynamics. The individual cytosine contexts reacted differently. CHH methylation peaked at about 80% in 2 days and then declined, whereas CG and CHG methylation needed more time with CHG reaching practically 100% after 10 days. Spreading of methylation was only minimal outside the target region in accordance with the absence of transitive siRNAs. The low and stable proportion of 24-nt siRNAs suggested that Pol IV was not involved in the initial phases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that de novo DNA methylation is a rapid process initiated practically immediately with the appearance of promoter-specific siRNAs and independently of the prior presence of methylcytosines at the target locus. The methylation was precisely targeted, and its dynamics varied depending on the cytosine sequence context. The progressively increasing methylation resulted in a smooth, gradual inhibition of the promoter activity, which was entirely suppressed in 2 days.

RNA-induced initiation of transcriptional silencing (RITS) complex structure and function

Heterochromatic regions of the genome are epigenetically regulated to maintain a heritable '"silent state"'. In fission yeast and other organisms, epigenetic silencing is guided by nascent transcripts, which are targeted by the RNA interference pathway. The key effector complex of the RNA interference pathway consists of small interfering RNA molecules (siRNAs) associated with Argonaute, assembled into the RNA-induced transcriptional silencing (RITS) complex. This review focuses on our current understanding of how RITS promotes heterochromatin formation, and in particular on the role of Argonaute-containing complexes in many other functions such as quelling, release of RNA polymerases, cellular quiescence and genome defense.

P7 and P8 proteins of High Plains wheat mosaic virus, a negative-strand RNA virus, employ distinct mechanisms of RNA silencing suppression

High Plains wheat mosaic virus (genus Emaravirus), an octapartite negative-sense RNA virus, encodes two RNA silencing suppressors, P7 and P8. In this study, we found that P7 and P8 efficiently delayed the onset of dsRNA-induced transitive pathway of RNA silencing. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) revealed that only P7 protected long dsRNAs from dicing in vitro and bound weakly to 21- and 24-nt PTGS-like ds-siRNAs. In contrast, P8 bound strongly and relatively weakly to 21- and 24-nt ds-siRNAs, respectively, suggesting size-specific binding. In EMSA, neither protein bound to 180-nt and 21-nt ssRNAs at detectable levels. Sequence analysis revealed that P7 contains a conserved GW motif. Mutational disruption of this motif resulted in loss of suppression of RNA silencing and pathogenicity enhancement, and failure to complement the silencing suppression-deficient wheat streak mosaic virus. Collectively, these data suggest that P7 and P8 proteins utilize distinct mechanisms to overcome host RNA silencing for successful establishment of systemic infection in planta.

Wheat streak mosaic virus P1 Binds to dsRNAs without Size and Sequence Specificity and a GW Motif Is Crucial for Suppression of RNA Silencing

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV; genus Tritimovirus; family Potyviridae) is an economically important virus infecting wheat in the Great Plains region of the USA. Previously, we reported that the P1 protein of WSMV acts as a viral suppressor of RNA silencing. In this study, we delineated the minimal region of WSMV P1 and examined its mechanisms in suppression of RNA silencing. We found that the 25 N-terminal amino acids are dispensable, while deletion of a single amino acid at the C-terminal region completely abolished the RNA silencing suppression activity of P1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with in vitro expressed P1 revealed that the P1 protein formed complexes with green fluorescent protein-derived 180-nt dsRNA and 21 and 24-nt ds-siRNAs, and WSMV coat protein-specific 600-nt dsRNA. These data suggest that the P1 protein of WSMV binds to dsRNAs in a size- and sequence-independent manner. Additionally, in vitro dicing assay with human Dicer revealed that the P1 protein efficiently protects dsRNAs from processing by Dicer into siRNAs, by forming complexes with dsRNA. Sequence comparison of P1-like proteins from select potyvirid species revealed that WSMV P1 harbors a glycine-tryptophan (GW) motif at the C-terminal region. Disruption of GW motif in WSMV P1 through W303A mutation resulted in loss of silencing suppression function and pathogenicity enhancement, and abolished WSMV viability. These data suggest that the mechanisms of suppression of RNA silencing of P1 proteins of potyvirid species appear to be broadly conserved in the family Potyviridae.

UAP56 associates with DRM2 and is localized to chromatin in Arabidopsis

Repeated sequence expression and transposable element mobilization are tightly controlled by multilayer processes, which include DNA 5′‐cytosine methylation. The RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, which uses siRNAs to guide sequence‐specific directed DNA methylation, emerged specifically in plants. RdDM ensures DNA methylation maintenance on asymmetric CHH sites and specifically initiates de novo methylation in all cytosine sequence contexts through the action of DRM DNA methyltransferases, of which DRM2 is the most prominent. The RdDM pathway has been well described, but how DRM2 is recruited onto DNA targets and associates with other RdDM factors remains unknown. To address these questions, we developed biochemical approaches to allow the identification of factors that may escape genetic screens, such as proteins encoded by multigenic families. Through both conventional and affinity purification of DRM2, we identified DEAD box RNA helicases U2AF56 Associated Protein 56 (UAP56a/b), which are widespread among eukaryotes, as new DRM2 partners. We have shown that, similar to DRM2 and other RdDM actors, UAP56 has chromatin‐associated protein properties. We confirmed this association both in vitro and in vivo in reproductive tissues. In addition, our experiments also suggest that UAP56 may exhibit differential distribution in cells depending on plant organ. While originally identified for its role in splicing, our study suggests that UAP56 may also have other roles, and our findings allow us to initiate discussion about its potential role in the RdDM pathway.

The AGO proteins: an overview

Small RNAs govern almost every biological process in eukaryotes associating with the Argonaute (AGO) proteins to form the RNA-induced silencing complex (mRISC). AGO proteins constitute the core of RISCs with different members having variety of protein-binding partners and biochemical properties. This review focuses on the AGO subfamily of the AGOs that are ubiquitously expressed and are associated with small RNAs. The structure, function and role of the AGO proteins in the cell is discussed in detail.

Mechanistic Insights into MicroRNA-Mediated Gene Silencing

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression by repressing protein synthesis and exert a broad influence over development, physiology, adaptation, and disease. Over the past two decades, great strides have been made toward elucidating how miRNAs go about shutting down messenger RNA (mRNA) translation and promoting mRNA decay.

Co-targeting RNA Polymerases IV and V Promotes Efficient De Novo DNA Methylation in Arabidopsis

The RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway in plants controls gene expression via cytosine DNA methylation. The ability to manipulate RdDM would shed light on the mechanisms and applications of DNA methylation to control gene expression. Here, we identified diverse RdDM proteins that are capable of targeting methylation and silencing in Arabidopsis when tethered to an artificial zinc finger (ZF-RdDM). We studied their order of action within the RdDM pathway by testing their ability to target methylation in different mutants. We also evaluated ectopic siRNA biogenesis, RNA polymerase V (Pol V) recruitment, targeted DNA methylation, and gene-expression changes at thousands of ZF-RdDM targets. We found that co-targeting both arms of the RdDM pathway, siRNA biogenesis and Pol V recruitment, dramatically enhanced targeted methylation. This work defines how RdDM components establish DNA methylation and enables new strategies for epigenetic gene regulation via targeted DNA methylation.

Further Elucidation of the Argonaute and Dicer Protein Families in the Model Grass Species Brachypodium distachyon

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which small RNAs regulate gene silencing at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level. The trigger for gene silencing is double-stranded RNA generated from an endogenous genomic locus or a foreign source, such as a transgene or virus. In addition to regulating endogenous gene expression, RNAi provides the mechanistic basis for small RNA-mediated communication between plant hosts and interacting pathogenic microbes, known as cross-kingdom RNAi. Two core protein components, Argonaute (AGO) and Dicer (DCL), are central to the RNAi machinery of eukaryotes. Plants encode for several copies of AGO and DCL genes; in Arabidopsis thaliana, the AGO protein family contains 10 members, and the DCL family contains four. Little is known about the conservation and specific roles of these proteins in monocotyledonous plants, which account for the most important food staples. Here, we utilized in silico tools to investigate the structure and related functions of AGO and DCL proteins from the model grass Brachypodium distachyon. Based on the presence of characteristic domains, 16 BdAGO- and 6 BdDCL-predicted proteins were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both protein families were expanded in Brachypodium as compared with Arabidopsis. For BdDCL proteins, both plant species contain a single copy of DCL1 and DCL4; however, Brachypodium contains two copies each of DCL2 and DCL3. Members of the BdAGO family were placed in all three functional clades of AGO proteins previously described in Arabidopsis. The greatest expansion occurred in the AtAGO1/5/10 clade, which contains nine BdAGOs (BdAGO5/6/7/9/10/11/12/15/16). The catalytic tetrad of the AGO P-element-induced wimpy testis domain (PIWI), which is required for endonuclease activity, is conserved in most BdAGOs, with the exception of BdAGO1, which lacks the last D/H residue. Three-dimensional modeling of BdAGO proteins using tertiary structure prediction software supported the phylogenetic classification. We also predicted a provisional interactome network for BdAGOs, their localization within the cell, and organ/tissue-specific expression. Exploring the specifics of RNAi machinery proteins in a model grass species can serve as a proxy for agronomically important cereals such as barley and wheat, where the development of RNAi-based plant protection strategies is of great interest.

Evidence for a Unique DNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase in Cereal Crops

Gene duplication is an important driver for the evolution of new genes and protein functions. Duplication of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (Pol) II subunits within plants led to the emergence of RNA Pol IV and V complexes, each of which possess unique functions necessary for RNA-directed DNA Methylation. Comprehensive identification of Pol V subunit orthologs across the monocot radiation revealed a duplication of the largest two subunits within the grasses (Poaceae), including critical cereal crops. These paralogous Pol subunits display sequence conservation within catalytic domains, but their carboxy terminal domains differ in length and character of the Ago-binding platform, suggesting unique functional interactions. Phylogenetic analysis of the catalytic region indicates positive selection on one paralog following duplication, consistent with retention via neofunctionalization. Positive selection on residue pairs that are predicted to interact between subunits suggests that paralogous subunits have evolved specific assembly partners. Additional Pol subunits as well as Pol-interacting proteins also possess grass-specific paralogs, supporting the hypothesis that a novel Pol complex with distinct function has evolved in the grass family, Poaceae.

RNA Interference Mechanisms and Applications in Plant Pathology

The origin of RNA interference (RNAi), the cell sentinel system widely shared among eukaryotes that recognizes RNAs and specifically degrades or prevents their translation in cells, is suggested to predate the last eukaryote common ancestor ( 138 ). Of particular relevance to plant pathology is that in plants, but also in some fungi, insects, and lower eukaryotes, RNAi is a primary and effective antiviral defense, and recent studies have revealed that small RNAs (sRNAs) involved in RNAi play important roles in other plant diseases, including those caused by cellular plant pathogens. Because of this, and because RNAi can be manipulated to interfere with the expression of endogenous genes in an intra- or interspecific manner, RNAi has been used as a tool in studies of gene function but also for plant protection. Here, we review the discovery of RNAi, canonical mechanisms, experimental and translational applications, and new RNA-based technologies of importance to plant pathology.

Role of GW182 protein in the cell

GW182 proteins interact directly with the argonaute proteins and constitute key components of miRNA repressor complexes (miRISC) in metazoans. As argonautes are insufficient for silencing they recruit the GW182 s that act as scaffold proteins inducing downstream translational repression, target mRNA deadenylation and exonucleolytic mRNA degradation. Besides their role as part of repressor complexes inside the cell, they function in wide variety of cellular processes as highlighted in this review. The present review summarises and discusses in detail our current knowledge of the GW182 s and their role inside the cell.

Locus-specific control of the de novo DNA methylation pathway in Arabidopsis by the CLASSY family

DNA methylation is essential for gene regulation, transposon silencing, and imprinting. Although the generation of specific DNA methylation patterns is critical for these processes, how methylation is regulated at individual loci remains unclear. Here we show that a family of four putative chromatin remodeling factors, CLASSY (CLSY) 1–4, are required for both locus-specific and global regulation of DNA methylation in Arabidopsis. Mechanistically, these factors act in connection with RNA polymerase-IV (Pol-IV) to control the production of 24-nucleotide small interfering RNAs (24nt-siRNAs), which guide DNA methylation. Individually, the CLSYs regulate Pol-IV-chromatin association and 24nt-siRNA production at thousands of distinct loci, and together, they regulate essentially all 24nt-siRNAs. Depending on the CLSYs involved, this regulation relies on different repressive chromatin modifications to facilitate locus-specific control of DNA methylation. Given the conservation between methylation systems in plants and mammals, analogous pathways likely operate in a broad range of organisms.

Functional Dissection of the Pol V Largest Subunit CTD in RNA-Directed DNA Methylation

Plant multisubunit RNA polymerase V (Pol V) transcription recruits Argonaute-small interfering RNA (siRNA) complexes that specify sites of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) for gene silencing. Pol V's largest subunit, NRPE1, evolved from the largest subunit of Pol II but has a distinctive C-terminal domain (CTD). We show that the Pol V CTD is dispensable for catalytic activity in vitro yet essential in vivo. One CTD subdomain (DeCL) is required for Pol V function at virtually all loci. Other CTD subdomains have locus-specific effects. In a yeast two-hybrid screen, the 3'→ 5' exoribonuclease RRP6L1 was identified as an interactor with the DeCL and glutamine-serine (QS)-rich subdomains located downstream of an Argonaute-binding subdomain. Experimental evidence indicates that RRP6L1 trims the 3' ends of Pol V transcripts sliced by Argonaute 4 (AGO4), suggesting a model whereby the CTD enables the spatial and temporal coordination of AGO4 and RRP6L1 RNA processing activities.

MicroRNP-mediated translational activation of nonadenylated mRNAs in a mammalian cell-free system

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate translation and mRNA stability by binding target mRNAs in complex with Argonaute (AGO) proteins. AGO interacts with a member of the TNRC6 family proteins to form a microRNP complex, which recruits the CCR4-NOT complex to accelerate deadenylation and inhibits translation. MicroRNAs primarily repress translation of target mRNAs but have been shown to enhance translation of a specific type of target reporter mRNAs in various experimental systems: G0 quiescent mammalian cells, Xenopus laevis oocytes, Drosophila embryo extracts, and HeLa cells. In all of the cases mentioned, a common feature of the activated target mRNAs is the lack of a poly(A) tail. Here, we show let-7-microRNP-mediated translational activation of nonadenylated target mRNAs in a mammalian cell-free system, which contains over-expressed AGO2, TNRC6B, and PAPD7 (TUTase5, TRF4-1). Importantly, translation of nonadenylated mRNAs was activated also by tethered TNRC6B silencing domain (SD), in the presence of PAPD7. Deletion of the poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) interacting motif (PAM2) from the TNRC6B-SD abolished the translational activation, suggesting the involvement of PABP in the process. Similar results were also obtained in cultured HEK293T cells. This work may provide novel insights into microRNP-mediated mRNA regulation.

Phase Transitions in the Assembly and Function of Human miRISC

miRISC is a multi-protein assembly that uses microRNAs (miRNAs) to identify mRNAs targeted for repression. Dozens of miRISC-associated proteins have been identified, and interactions between many factors have been examined in detail. However, the physical nature of the complex remains unknown. Here, we show that two core protein components of human miRISC, Argonaute2 (Ago2) and TNRC6B, condense into phase-separated droplets in vitro and in live cells. Phase separation is promoted by multivalent interactions between the glycine/tryptophan (GW)-rich domain of TNRC6B and three evenly spaced tryptophan-binding pockets in the Ago2 PIWI domain. miRISC droplets formed in vitro recruit deadenylation factors and sequester target RNAs from the bulk solution. The condensation of miRISC is accompanied by accelerated deadenylation of target RNAs bound to Ago2. The combined results may explain how miRISC silences mRNAs of varying size and structure and provide experimental evidence that protein-mediated phase separation can facilitate an RNA processing reaction.

Identification and Evolutionary Characterization of ARGONAUTE-Binding Platforms

ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins are eukaryotic RNA silencing effectors that interact with their binding partners via short peptide motifs known as AGO hooks. AGO hooks tend to cluster in one region of the protein to create an AGO-binding platform. In addition to the presence of AGO hooks, AGO-binding platforms are intrinsically disordered, contain tandem repeat arrays, and have weak sequence conservation even between close relatives. These characteristics make it difficult to identify and perform evolutionary analysis of these regions. Because of their weak sequence conservation, only a few AGO-binding platforms are characterized, and the evolution of these regions is only poorly understood. In this chapter we describe modules developed for computational identification and evolutionary analysis of AGO-binding platforms, with particular emphasis on understanding evolution of the tandem repeat arrays.