1
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Hu J, Xu T, Kang H. Crosstalk between RNA m 6A modification and epigenetic factors in plant gene regulation. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:101037. [PMID: 38971972 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101037] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification observed in eukaryotic mRNAs. Advances in transcriptome-wide m6A mapping and sequencing technologies have enabled the identification of several conserved motifs in plants, including the RRACH (R = A/G and H = A/C/U) and UGUAW (W = U or A) motifs. However, the mechanisms underlying deposition of m6A marks at specific positions in the conserved motifs of individual transcripts remain to be clarified. Evidence from plant and animal studies suggests that m6A writer or eraser components are recruited to specific genomic loci through interactions with particular transcription factors, 5-methylcytosine DNA methylation marks, and histone marks. In addition, recent studies in animal cells have shown that microRNAs play a role in depositing m6A marks at specific sites in transcripts through a base-pairing mechanism. m6A also affects the biogenesis and function of chromatin-associated regulatory RNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Although we have less of an understanding of the link between m6A modification and epigenetic factors in plants than in animals, recent progress in identifying the proteins that interact with m6A writer or eraser components has provided insights into the crosstalk between m6A modification and epigenetic factors, which plays a crucial role in transcript-specific methylation and regulation of m6A in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, Longhua Bioindustry and Innovation Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221116, China.
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221116, China; Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea.
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2
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Huang J, Jia Y, Pan Y, Lin H, Lv S, Nawaz M, Song B, Nie X. Genome-wide identification of m6A-related gene family and the involvement of TdFIP37 in salt stress in wild emmer wheat. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:254. [PMID: 39373738 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03339-z] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE The genomic organization, phylogenetic relationship, expression patterns, and genetic variations of m6A-related genes were systematically investigated in wild emmer wheat and the function of TdFIP37 regulating salt tolerance was preliminarily determined. m6A modification is one of the most abundant and crucial RNA modifications in eukaryotics, playing the indispensable role in growth and development as well as stress response in plants. However, its significance in wild emmer wheat remains elusive. Here, a genome-wide search of m6A-related genes was conducted in wild emmer wheat to obtain 64 candidates, including 21 writers, 17 erasers, and 26 readers. Phylogenetic and collinearity analysis demonstrated that segmental duplication and polyploidization contributed mainly to the expansion of m6A-related genes in wild emmer. A number of cis-acting elements involving in stress and hormonal regulation were found in the promoter regions of them, such as MBS, LTR, and ABRE. Genetic variation of them was also investigated using resequencing data and obvious genetic bottleneck was occurred on them during wild emmer wheat domestication process. Furthermore, the salt-responsive candidates were investigated through RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR validation using the salt-tolerant and -sensitive genotypes and the co-expression analysis showed that they played the hub role in regulating salt stress response. Finally, the loss-function mutant of Tdfip37 displayed the significantly higher salt-sensitive compared to WT and then RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that FIP37 mediated the MAPK pathway, hormone signal transduction, as well as transcription factor to regulate salt tolerance. This study provided the potential m6A genes for functional analysis, which will contribute to better understand the regulatory roles of m6A modification and also improve the salt tolerance from the perspective of epigenetic approach in emmer wheat and other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqian Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Agronomy and Yangling Branch of China Wheat Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261325, Shandong, China
| | - Yanze Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Agronomy and Yangling Branch of China Wheat Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Agronomy and Yangling Branch of China Wheat Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huiyuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Agronomy and Yangling Branch of China Wheat Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuzuo Lv
- Luoyang Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Luoyang Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Biology and Germplasm Enhancement, Luoyang, 471000, Henan, China
| | - Mohsin Nawaz
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baoxing Song
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang, 261325, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojun Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Agronomy and Yangling Branch of China Wheat Improvement Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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3
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Nguyen TKH, Kang H. Reading m 6A marks in mRNA: A potent mechanism of gene regulation in plants. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39364713 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Modifications to RNA have recently been recognized as a pivotal regulator of gene expression in living organisms. More than 170 chemical modifications have been identified in RNAs, with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) being the most abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. The addition and removal of m6A marks are catalyzed by methyltransferases (referred to as "writers") and demethylases (referred to as "erasers"), respectively. In addition, the m6A marks in mRNAs are recognized and interpreted by m6A-binding proteins (referred to as "readers"), which regulate the fate of mRNAs, including stability, splicing, transport, and translation. Therefore, exploring the mechanism underlying the m6A reader-mediated modulation of RNA metabolism is essential for a much deeper understanding of the epigenetic role of RNA modification in plants. Recent discoveries have improved our understanding of the functions of m6A readers in plant growth and development, stress response, and disease resistance. This review highlights the latest developments in m6A reader research, emphasizing the diverse RNA-binding domains crucial for m6A reader function and the biological and cellular roles of m6A readers in the plant response to developmental and environmental signals. Moreover, we propose and discuss the potential future research directions and challenges in identifying novel m6A readers and elucidating the cellular and mechanistic role of m6A readers in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Kim Hang Nguyen
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea
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4
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Zhao J, Yang T, Liu P, Liu H, Zhang H, Guo S, Liu X, Chen X, Chen M. Genome-Wide Identification of the Soybean AlkB Homologue Gene Family and Functional Characterization of GmALKBH10Bs as RNA m 6A Demethylases and Expression Patterns under Abiotic Stress. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2491. [PMID: 39273973 PMCID: PMC11397283 DOI: 10.3390/plants13172491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) is one of the most important crops worldwide, but its yield is vulnerable to abiotic stresses. In Arabidopsis, the AlkB homologue (ALKBH) family genes plays a crucial role in plant development and stress response. However, the identification and functions of its homologous genes in soybean remain obscured. Here, we identified a total of 22 ALKBH genes in soybean and classified them into seven subfamilies according to phylogenetic analysis. Gene duplication events among the family members and gene structure, conserved domains, and motifs of all candidate genes were analyzed. By comparing the changes in the m6A levels on mRNA from hair roots between soybean seedlings harboring the empty vector and those harboring the GmALKBH10B protein, we demonstrated that all four GmALKBH10B proteins are bona fide m6A RNA demethylases in vivo. Subcellular localization and expression patterns of the GmALKBH10B revealed that they might be functionally redundant. Furthermore, an analysis of cis-elements coupled with gene expression data demonstrated that GmALKBH10B subfamily genes, including GmALKBH10B1, GmALKBH10B2, GmALKBH10B3, and GmALKBH10B4, are likely involved in the cis-elements' response to various environmental stimuli. In summary, our study is the first to report the genome-wide identification of GmALKBH family genes in soybean and to determine the function of GmALKBH10B proteins as m6A RNA demethylases, providing insights into GmALKBH10B genes in response to abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Tengfeng Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huijie Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Sichao Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaoye Liu
- Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Nanjing Police University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Mingjia Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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5
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Tang J, Lei D, Yang J, Chen S, Wang X, Huang X, Zhang S, Cai Z, Zhu S, Wan J, Jia G. OsALKBH9-mediated m 6A demethylation regulates tapetal PCD and pollen exine accumulation in rice. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:2410-2423. [PMID: 38634166 PMCID: PMC11332222 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14354] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification is crucial for plant development and stress responses. In rice, the male sterility resulting from the deficiency of OsFIP37, a core component of m6A methyltransferase complex, emphasizes the significant role of m6A in male fertility. m6A is reversible and can be removed by m6A demethylases. However, whether mRNA m6A demethylase regulates male fertility in rice has remained unknown. Here, we identify the mRNA m6A demethylase OsALKBH9 and demonstrate its involvement in male fertility regulation. Knockout of OsALKBH9 causes male sterility, dependent on its m6A demethylation activity. Cytological analysis reveals defective tapetal programmed cell death (PCD) and excessive accumulation of microspores exine in Osalkbh9-1. Transcriptome analysis of anthers shows up-regulation of genes involved in tapetum development, sporopollenin synthesis, and transport pathways in Osalkbh9-1. Additionally, we demonstrate that OsALKBH9 demethylates the m6A modification in TDR and GAMYB transcripts, which affects the stability of these mRNAs and ultimately leads to excessive accumulation of pollen exine. Our findings highlight the precise control of mRNA m6A modification and reveal the pivotal roles played by OsALKBH9-mediated m6A demethylation in tapetal PCD and pollen exine accumulation in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Institute of Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Dekun Lei
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic ImprovementInstitute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Junbo Yang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Shuyan Chen
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xueping Wang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoxin Huang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhihe Cai
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shanshan Zhu
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic ImprovementInstitute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jianmin Wan
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic ImprovementInstitute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA BiologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
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6
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Li B, Zhou Q, Cai L, Li L, Xie C, Li D, Zhu F, Li X, Zhao X, Liu X, Shen L, Xu T, He C. TMK4-mediated FIP37 phosphorylation regulates auxin-triggered N 6-methyladenosine modification of auxin biosynthetic genes in Arabidopsis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114597. [PMID: 39106180 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114597] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification are tightly controlled by the m6A methyltransferase complex and demethylases. Here, we find that auxin treatment alters m6A modification on auxin-responsive genes. Mechanically, TRANSMEMBRANE KINASE 4 (TMK4), a component of the auxin signaling pathway, interacts with and phosphorylates FKBP12-INTERACTING PROTEIN 37 (FIP37), a core component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, in an auxin-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of FIP37 enhances its interaction with RNA, thereby increasing m6A modification on its target genes, such as NITRILASE 1 (NIT1), a gene involved in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. 1-Naphthalacetic acid (NAA) treatment accelerates the mRNA decay of NIT1, in a TMK4- and FIP37-dependent manner, which leads to inhibition of auxin biosynthesis. Our findings identify a regulatory mechanism by which auxin modulates m6A modification through the phosphorylation of FIP37, ultimately affecting mRNA stability and auxin biosynthesis in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Qiting Zhou
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Linjun Cai
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Lan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, China
| | - Chong Xie
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Donghao Li
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xiushan Li
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhao
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xuanming Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Lisha Shen
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Tongda Xu
- FAFU-Joint Center, Horticulture and Metabolic Biology Center, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Chongsheng He
- College of Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
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Zhang J, Wu L, Mu L, Wang Y, Zhao M, Wang H, Li X, Zhao L, Lin C, Zhang H, Gu L. Evolution and post-transcriptional regulation insights of m 6A writers, erasers, and readers in plant epitranscriptome. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39167634 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
As a dynamic and reversible post-transcriptional marker, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in the regulation of biological functions, which are mediated by m6A pathway components including writers (MT-A70, FIP37, VIR and HAKAI family), erasers (ALKBH family) and readers (YTH family). There is an urgent need for a comprehensive analysis of m6A pathway components across species at evolutionary levels. In this study, we identified 4062 m6A pathway components from 154 plant species including green algae, utilizing large-scale phylogenetic to explore their origin and evolution. We discovered that the copy number of writers was conserved among different plant lineages, with notable expansions in the ALKBH and YTH families. Synteny network analysis revealed conserved genomic contexts and lineage-specific transpositions. Furthermore, we used Direct RNA Sequencing (DRS) to reveal the Poly(A) length (PAL) and m6A ratio profiles in six angiosperms species, with a particular focus on the m6A pathway components. The ECT1/2-Poeaece4 sub-branches (YTH family) with unique genomic contexts exhibited significantly higher expression level than genes of other ECT1/2 poeaece sub-branches (ECT1/2-Poeaece1-3), accompanied by lower m6A modification and PAL. Besides, conserved m6A sites distributed in CDS and 3'UTR were detected in the ECT1/2-Poaceae4, and the dual-luciferase assay further demonstrated that these conserved m6A sites in the 3'UTR negatively regulated the expression of Firefly luciferase (LUC) gene. Finally, we developed transcription factor regulatory networks for m6A pathway components, using yeast one-hybrid assay demonstrated that PheBPC1 could interact with the PheECT1/2-5 promoter. Overall, this study presents a comprehensive evolutionary and functional analysis of m6A pathway components and their modifications in plants, providing a valuable resource for future functional analysis in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Lin Wu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Lele Mu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yuhua Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Mengna Zhao
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, School of Future Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Huiyuan Wang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiangrong Li
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, School of Future Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Liangzhen Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Chentao Lin
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, School of Future Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Hangxiao Zhang
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, School of Future Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Lianfeng Gu
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, School of Future Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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Cai Z, Tang Q, Song P, Tian E, Yang J, Jia G. The m6A reader ECT8 is an abiotic stress sensor that accelerates mRNA decay in Arabidopsis. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:2908-2926. [PMID: 38835286 PMCID: PMC11289641 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koae149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification and plays diverse roles in eukaryotes, including plants. It regulates various processes, including plant growth, development, and responses to external or internal stress responses. However, the mechanisms underlying how m6A is related to environmental stresses in both mammals and plants remain elusive. Here, we identified EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION 8 (ECT8) as an m6A reader protein and showed that its m6A-binding capability is required for salt stress responses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). ECT8 accelerates the degradation of its target transcripts through direct interaction with the decapping protein DECAPPING 5 within processing bodies. We observed a significant increase in the ECT8 expression level under various environmental stresses. Using salt stress as a representative stressor, we found that the transcript and protein levels of ECT8 rise in response to salt stress. The increased abundance of ECT8 protein results in the enhanced binding capability to m6A-modified mRNAs, thereby accelerating their degradation, especially those of negative regulators of salt stress responses. Our results demonstrated that ECT8 acts as an abiotic stress sensor, facilitating mRNA decay, which is vital for maintaining transcriptome homeostasis and enhancing stress tolerance in plants. Our findings not only advance the understanding of epitranscriptomic gene regulation but also offer potential applications for breeding more resilient crops in the face of rapidly changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihe Cai
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qian Tang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peizhe Song
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Enlin Tian
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Junbo Yang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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9
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Yao S, Song Y, Cheng X, Wang D, Li Q, Zhang J, Chen Q, Yu Q, Ji K. Transcriptome-Wide Identification of m 6A Writers, Erasers and Readers and Their Expression Profiles under Various Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Pinus massoniana Lamb. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7987. [PMID: 39063230 PMCID: PMC11277107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147987] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is the most prevalent form of RNA methylation and plays a crucial role in plant development. However, our understanding of m6A modification in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) remains limited. In this study, a complete analysis of m6A writers, erasers, and readers in Masson pine was performed, and 22 m6A regulatory genes were identified in total, including 7 m6A writers, 7 m6A erases, and 8 readers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all m6A regulators involved in Masson pine could be classified into three distinct groups based on their domains and motifs. The tissue expression analysis revealed that the m6A regulatory gene may exert a significant influence on the development of reproductive organs and leaves in Masson pine. Moreover, the results from stress and hormone expression analysis indicated that the m6A regulatory gene in Masson pine might be involved in drought stress response, ABA-signaling-pathway activation, as well as resistance to Monochamus alternatus. This study provided valuable and anticipated insights into the regulatory genes of m6A modification and their potential epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in Masson pine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yidan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Dengbao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Qianzi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Qingyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Qiong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kongshu Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (S.Y.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (D.W.); (Q.L.); (J.Z.); (Q.C.)
- Key Open Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Gene Engineering of National Forestry & Grassland Administration, Nanjing 210037, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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10
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Xiang Y, Zhang D, Li L, Xue YX, Zhang CY, Meng QF, Wang J, Tan XL, Li YL. Detection, distribution, and functions of RNA N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) in plant development and environmental signal responses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1429011. [PMID: 39081522 PMCID: PMC11286456 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1429011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The epitranscriptomic mark N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common type of messenger RNA (mRNA) post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes. With the discovery of the demethylase FTO (FAT MASS AND OBESITY-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN) in Homo Sapiens, this modification has been proven to be dynamically reversible. With technological advances, research on m6A modification in plants also rapidly developed. m6A modification is widely distributed in plants, which is usually enriched near the stop codons and 3'-UTRs, and has conserved modification sequences. The related proteins of m6A modification mainly consist of three components: methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and reading proteins (readers). m6A modification mainly regulates the growth and development of plants by modulating the RNA metabolic processes and playing an important role in their responses to environmental signals. In this review, we briefly outline the development of m6A modification detection techniques; comparatively analyze the distribution characteristics of m6A in plants; summarize the methyltransferases, demethylases, and binding proteins related to m6A; elaborate on how m6A modification functions in plant growth, development, and response to environmental signals; and provide a summary and outlook on the research of m6A in plants.
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11
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Shi C, Zou W, Liu X, Zhang H, Li X, Fu G, Fei Q, Qian Q, Shang L. Programmable RNA N 6-methyladenosine editing with CRISPR/dCas13a in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1867-1880. [PMID: 38363049 PMCID: PMC11182597 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14307] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenonsine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) and plays critical roles in mRNA processing and metabolism. However, perturbation of individual m6A modification to reveal its function and the phenotypic effects is still lacking in plants. Here, we describe the construction and characterization of programmable m6A editing tools by fusing the m6A writers, the core catalytic domain of the MTA and MTB complex, and the AlkB homologue 5 (ALKBH5) eraser, to catalytically dead Cas13a (dCas13a) to edit individual m6A sites on mRNAs. We demonstrated that our m6A editors could efficiently and specifically deposit and remove m6A modifications on specific RNA transcripts in both Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, we found that targeting SHORT-ROOT (SHR) transcripts with a methylation editor could significantly increase its m6A levels with limited off-target effects and promote its degradation. This leads to a boost in plant growth with enlarged leaves and roots, increased plant height, plant biomass, and total grain weight in Arabidopsis. Collectively, these findings suggest that our programmable m6A editing tools can be applied to study the functions of individual m6A modifications in plants, and may also have potential applications for future crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanlin Shi
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Wenli Zou
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Xiangpei Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Hong Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton BiologyZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Guiling Fu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- College of AgricultureShanxi Agricultural UniversityTaiyuanShanxiChina
| | - Qili Fei
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Qian Qian
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- State Key Laboratory of Rice BiologyChina National Rice Research InstituteHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Yazhouwan National LaboratorySanya CityHainan ProvinceChina
| | - Lianguang Shang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsAgricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- Yazhouwan National LaboratorySanya CityHainan ProvinceChina
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12
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Song P, Cai Z, Jia G. Principles, functions, and biological implications of m 6A in plants. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:491-499. [PMID: 38531642 PMCID: PMC11019739 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079951.124] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) has emerged as a prevalent and dynamically regulated modification across the transcriptome; it has been reversibly installed, removed, and interpreted by specific binding proteins, and has played crucial roles in molecular and biological processes. Within this scope, we consolidate recent advancements of m6A research in plants regarding gene expression regulation, diverse physiologic and pathogenic processes, as well as crop trial implications, to guide discussions on challenges associated with and leveraging epitranscriptome editing for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peizhe Song
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhihe Cai
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- PKU-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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13
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Cai J, Hu J, Xu T, Kang H. FIONA1-mediated mRNA m 6 A methylation regulates the response of Arabidopsis to salt stress. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:900-912. [PMID: 38193282 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14807] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is an mRNA modification widely found in eukaryotes and plays a crucial role in plant development and stress responses. FIONA1 (FIO1) is a recently identified m6 A methyltransferase that regulates Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) floral transition; however, its role in stress response remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that FIO1-mediated m6 A methylation plays a vital role in salt stress response in Arabidopsis. The loss-of-function fio1 mutant was sensitive to salt stress. Importantly, the complementation lines expressing the wild-type FIO1 exhibited the wild-type phenotype, whereas the complementation lines expressing the mutant FIO1m , in which two critical amino acid residues essential for methyltransferase activity were mutated, did not recover the wild-type phenotype under salt stress, indicating that the salt sensitivity is associated with FIO1 methyltransferase activity. Furthermore, FIO1-mediated m6 A methylation regulated ROS production and affected the transcript level of several salt stress-responsive genes via modulating their mRNA stability in an m6 A-dependent manner in response to salt stress. Importantly, FIO1 is associated with salt stress response by specifically targeting and differentially modulating several salt stress-responsive genes compared with other m6 A writer. Collectively, our findings highlight the molecular mechanism of FIO1-mediated m6 A methylation in the salt stress adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cai
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Tao Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
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14
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Wu X, Su T, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Wong CE, Ma J, Shao Y, Hua C, Shen L, Yu H. N 6-methyladenosine-mediated feedback regulation of abscisic acid perception via phase-separated ECT8 condensates in Arabidopsis. NATURE PLANTS 2024; 10:469-482. [PMID: 38448725 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01638-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic mRNAs, yet how plants recognize this chemical modification to swiftly adjust developmental plasticity under environmental stresses remains unclear. Here we show that m6A mRNA modification and its reader protein EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION 8 (ECT8) act together as a key checkpoint for negative feedback regulation of abscisic acid (ABA) signalling by sequestering the m6A-modified ABA receptor gene PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE 1-LIKE 7 (PYL7) via phase-separated ECT8 condensates in stress granules in response to ABA. This partially depletes PYL7 mRNA from its translation in the cytoplasm, thus reducing PYL7 protein levels and compromising ABA perception. The loss of ECT8 results in defective sequestration of m6A-modified PYL7 in stress granules and permits more PYL7 transcripts for translation. This causes overactivation of ABA-responsive genes and the consequent ABA-hypersensitive phenotypes, including drought tolerance. Overall, our findings reveal that m6A-mediated sequestration of PYL7 by ECT8 in stress granules negatively regulates ABA perception, thereby enabling prompt feedback regulation of ABA signalling to prevent plant cell overreaction to environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tingting Su
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Songyao Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Zhang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chui Eng Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jinqi Ma
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yanlin Shao
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Changmei Hua
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lisha Shen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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15
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Amara U, Hu J, Park SJ, Kang H. ECT12, an YTH-domain protein, is a potential mRNA m 6A reader that affects abiotic stress responses by modulating mRNA stability in Arabidopsis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 206:108255. [PMID: 38071803 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108255] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant modification found in eukaryotic mRNAs, is interpreted by m6A "readers," thus playing a crucial role in regulating RNA metabolism. The YT521-B homology-domain (YTHD) proteins, also known as EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION (ECT), are recognized as m6A reader proteins in plants and animals. Among the 13 potential YTHD family proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, the functions of only a few members are known. In this study, we determined the function of ECT12 (YTH11) as a potential m6A reader that plays a crucial role in response to abiotic stresses. The loss-of-function ect12 mutants showed no noticeable developmental defects under normal conditions but displayed hypersensitivity to salt or dehydration stress. The salt- or dehydration-hypersensitive phenotypes were correlated with altered levels of several m6A-modified stress-responsive transcripts. Notably, the increased or decreased transcript levels were associated with each transcript's reduced or enhanced decay, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift and RNA-immunoprecipitation assays showed that ECT12 binds to m6A-modified RNAs both in vitro and in planta, suggesting its role as an m6A reader. Collectively, these results indicate that the potential m6A reader ECT12 regulates the stability of m6A-modified RNA transcripts, thereby facilitating the response of Arabidopsis to abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Amara
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Su Jung Park
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
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16
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Fan W, Wang L, Lei Z, Li H, Chu J, Yan M, Wang Y, Wang H, Yang J, Cho J. m 6A RNA demethylase AtALKBH9B promotes mobilization of a heat-activated long terminal repeat retrotransposon in Arabidopsis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf3292. [PMID: 38019921 PMCID: PMC10686560 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Transposons are mobile and ubiquitous DNA molecules that can cause vast genomic alterations. In plants, it is well documented that transposon mobilization is strongly repressed by DNA methylation; however, its regulation at the posttranscriptional level remains relatively uninvestigated. Here, we suggest that transposon RNA is marked by m6A RNA methylation and can be localized in stress granules (SGs). Intriguingly, SG-localized AtALKBH9B selectively demethylates a heat-activated retroelement, Onsen, and thereby releases it from spatial confinement, allowing for its mobilization. In addition, we show evidence that m6A RNA methylation contributes to transpositional suppression by inhibiting virus-like particle assembly and extrachromosomal DNA production. In summary, this study unveils a previously unknown role for m6A in the suppression of transposon mobility and provides insight into how transposons counteract the m6A-mediated repression mechanism by hitchhiking the RNA demethylase of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Fan
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ling Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhen Lei
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hui Li
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Chu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengxiao Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Yuqin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Jun Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Jungnam Cho
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS-JIC Centre for Excellence in Plant and Microbial Science, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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17
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Dhingra Y, Gupta S, Gupta V, Agarwal M, Katiyar-Agarwal S. The emerging role of epitranscriptome in shaping stress responses in plants. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2023; 42:1531-1555. [PMID: 37481775 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE RNA modifications and editing changes constitute 'epitranscriptome' and are crucial in regulating the development and stress response in plants. Exploration of the epitranscriptome and associated machinery would facilitate the engineering of stress tolerance in crops. RNA editing and modifications post-transcriptionally decorate almost all classes of cellular RNAs, including tRNAs, rRNAs, snRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs, with more than 170 known modifications, among which m6A, Ψ, m5C, 8-OHG and C-to-U editing are the most abundant. Together, these modifications constitute the "epitranscriptome", and contribute to changes in several RNA attributes, thus providing an additional structural and functional diversification to the "cellular messages" and adding another layer of gene regulation in organisms, including plants. Numerous evidences suggest that RNA modifications have a widespread impact on plant development as well as in regulating the response of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses. High-throughput sequencing studies demonstrate that the landscapes of m6A, m5C, Am, Cm, C-to-U, U-to-G, and A-to-I editing are remarkably dynamic during stress conditions in plants. GO analysis of transcripts enriched in Ψ, m6A and m5C modifications have identified bonafide components of stress regulatory pathways. Furthermore, significant alterations in the expression pattern of genes encoding writers, readers, and erasers of certain modifications have been documented when plants are grown in challenging environments. Notably, manipulating the expression levels of a few components of RNA editing machinery markedly influenced the stress tolerance in plants. We provide updated information on the current understanding on the contribution of RNA modifications in shaping the stress responses in plants. Unraveling of the epitranscriptome has opened new avenues for designing crops with enhanced productivity and stress resilience in view of global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Dhingra
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Shitij Gupta
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vaishali Gupta
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Manu Agarwal
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Surekha Katiyar-Agarwal
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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18
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Zhang Y, Xu J, Li R, Ge Y, Li Y, Li R. Plants' Response to Abiotic Stress: Mechanisms and Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10915. [PMID: 37446089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Abiotic stress is the adverse effect of any abiotic factor on a plant in a given environment, impacting plants' growth and development. These stress factors, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, are often interrelated or in conjunction with each other. Plants have evolved mechanisms to sense these environmental challenges and make adjustments to their growth in order to survive and reproduce. In this review, we summarized recent studies on plant stress sensing and its regulatory mechanism, emphasizing signal transduction and regulation at multiple levels. Then we presented several strategies to improve plant growth under stress based on current progress. Finally, we discussed the implications of research on plant response to abiotic stresses for high-yielding crops and agricultural sustainability. Studying stress signaling and regulation is critical to understand abiotic stress responses in plants to generate stress-resistant crops and improve agricultural sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Institute of Tree Development and Genome Editing, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Institute of Tree Development and Genome Editing, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ruofan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Institute of Tree Development and Genome Editing, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yanrui Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Institute of Tree Development and Genome Editing, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yufei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Institute of Tree Development and Genome Editing, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ruili Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Institute of Tree Development and Genome Editing, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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19
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Tang J, Chen S, Jia G. Detection, regulation, and functions of RNA N 6-methyladenosine modification in plants. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 4:100546. [PMID: 36627844 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal chemical modification in eukaryotic mRNA and plays important roles in gene expression regulation, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. m6A is a reversible modification that is installed, removed, and recognized by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6A-binding proteins (readers), respectively. Recently, the breadth of research on m6A in plants has expanded, and the vital roles of m6A in plant development, biotic and abiotic stress responses, and crop trait improvement have been investigated. In this review, we discuss recent developments in research on m6A and highlight the detection methods, distribution, regulatory proteins, and molecular and biological functions of m6A in plants. We also offer some perspectives on future investigations, providing direction for subsequent research on m6A in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China.
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20
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Song P, Wei L, Chen Z, Cai Z, Lu Q, Wang C, Tian E, Jia G. m 6A readers ECT2/ECT3/ECT4 enhance mRNA stability through direct recruitment of the poly(A) binding proteins in Arabidopsis. Genome Biol 2023; 24:103. [PMID: 37122016 PMCID: PMC10150487 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is critical for plant growth and crop yield. m6A reader proteins can recognize m6A modifications to facilitate the functions of m6A in gene regulation. ECT2, ECT3, and ECT4 are m6A readers that are known to redundantly regulate trichome branching and leaf growth, but their molecular functions remain unclear. RESULTS Here, we show that ECT2, ECT3, and ECT4 directly interact with each other in the cytoplasm and perform genetically redundant functions in abscisic acid (ABA) response regulation during seed germination and post-germination growth. We reveal that ECT2/ECT3/ECT4 promote the stabilization of their targeted m6A-modified mRNAs, but have no function in alternative polyadenylation and translation. We find that ECT2 directly interacts with the poly(A) binding proteins, PAB2 and PAB4, and maintains the stabilization of m6A-modified mRNAs. Disruption of ECT2/ECT3/ECT4 destabilizes mRNAs of ABA signaling-related genes, thereby promoting the accumulation of ABI5 and leading to ABA hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION Our study reveals a unified functional model of m6A mediated by m6A readers in plants. In this model, ECT2/ECT3/ECT4 promote stabilization of their target mRNAs in the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peizhe Song
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lianhuan Wei
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zixin Chen
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhihe Cai
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chunling Wang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Enlin Tian
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100871, China.
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21
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Shen L, Ma J, Li P, Wu Y, Yu H. Recent advances in the plant epitranscriptome. Genome Biol 2023; 24:43. [PMID: 36882788 PMCID: PMC9990323 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02872-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical modifications of RNAs, known as the epitranscriptome, are emerging as widespread regulatory mechanisms underlying gene regulation. The field of epitranscriptomics advances recently due to improved transcriptome-wide sequencing strategies for mapping RNA modifications and intensive characterization of writers, erasers, and readers that deposit, remove, and recognize RNA modifications, respectively. Herein, we review recent advances in characterizing plant epitranscriptome and its regulatory mechanisms in post-transcriptional gene regulation and diverse physiological processes, with main emphasis on N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C). We also discuss the potential and challenges for utilization of epitranscriptome editing in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Shen
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
| | - Jinqi Ma
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Ping Li
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Yujin Wu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Hao Yu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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22
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Amara U, Shoaib Y, Kang H. ALKBH9C, a potential RNA m 6 A demethylase, regulates the response of Arabidopsis to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:3566-3581. [PMID: 36148771 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies have shown that AlkB homolog (ALKBH) proteins are potential RNA demethylases (referred to as 'erasers'), biological functions of only a few ALKBH proteins have been characterized to date. In this study, we determined the function of ALKBH9C (At4g36090) in seed germination and seedling growth of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to abiotic stress and abscisic acid (ABA). Seed germination of the alkbh9c mutant was delayed in response to salt, drought, cold and ABA. Moreover, seedling growth of the mutant was repressed under salt stress or ABA but enhanced under drought conditions. Notably, the stress-responsive phenotypes were associated with the altered expression of several m6 A-modified transcripts related to salt, drought or ABA response. Global m6 A levels were increased in the alkbh9c mutant, and ALKBH9C bound to m6 A-modified RNAs and had in vitro m6 A demethylase activity, suggesting its potential role as an m6 A eraser. The m6 A levels in several stress-responsive genes were increased in the alkbh9c mutant, and the stability of m6 A-modified transcripts was altered in the mutant. Collectively, our results suggest that m6 A eraser ALKBH9C is crucial for seed germination and seedling growth of Arabidopsis in response to abiotic stresses or ABA via affecting the stability of stress-responsive transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Amara
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Yasira Shoaib
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
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23
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Tang J, Yang J, Lu Q, Tang Q, Chen S, Jia G. The RNA N 6 -methyladenosine demethylase ALKBH9B modulates ABA responses in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:2361-2373. [PMID: 36263999 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The mRNA modification N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) plays vital roles in plant development and biotic and abiotic stress responses. The RNA m6 A demethylase ALKBH9B can remove m6 A in alfalfa mosaic virus RNA and plays roles in alfalfa mosaic virus infection in Arabidopsis. However, it is unknown whether ALKBH9B also exhibits demethylation activity and has a biological role in endogenous plant mRNA. We demonstrated here that mRNA m6 A modification is induced by the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) and that ALKBH9B has m6 A demethylation activity on endogenous mRNA. Knocking out ALKBH9B led to hypersensitivity to ABA treatment during seed germination and early seedling development. We further showed that ALKBH9B removes the m6 A modification in the ABA INSENSITIVE 1 (ABI1) and BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR 1 (BES1) transcripts following ABA treatment, affecting the stability of these mRNAs. Furthermore, we determined that ALKBH9B acts genetically upstream of the transcription factors ABI3 and ABI5, and its regulatory function in ABA responses depended on ABI3 and ABI5. Our findings reveal the important roles of the m6 A modification in ABA responses and highlight the role of ALKBH9B-mediated m6 A demethylation in regulating ABA responses post-transcriptionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Junbo Yang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qian Tang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100871, China
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24
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Cui C, Ma Z, Wan H, Gao J, Zhou B. GhALKBH10 negatively regulates salt tolerance in cotton. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 192:87-100. [PMID: 36215791 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (AlkB) gene family plays an essential role in regulating plant development and stress response. However, the AlkB gene family is still not well understood in cotton. In this study, 40 AlkB genes in cotton and Arabidopsis are identified and classified into three classes based on phylogenetic analysis. Their protein motifs and exon/intron structures are highly conserved. Chromosomal localization and synteny analysis suggested that segmental or whole-genome duplication and polyploidization events contributed to the expansion of the cotton AlkB gene family. Furthermore, the AlkB genes showed dynamic spatiotemporal expression patterns and diverse responses to abiotic stresses. Among them, GhALKBH10 was down-regulated under various abiotic stresses and its subcellular expression was localized in cytoplasm and nucleus. Silencing GhALKBH10 in cotton increased antioxidant capacity and reduced cytoplasmic Na+ concentration, thereby improved the plant tolerance to salinity. Conversely, overexpression (OE) of GhALKBH10 in Arabidopsis markedly weakened the plant tolerance to salinity. The global m6A levels measured in VIGS and OE transgenic lines showed that they were significantly higher in TRV: GhALKBH10 plants (VIGS) than in TRV: 00 plants but significantly lower in OE plants than wild-type plants under salt stress, which could be considered as a potential m6A demethylase in cotton. Our results suggest that the GhALKBH10 gene negatively regulates salt tolerance in plants, which provides information of the cotton AlkB family and an understanding of GhALKBH10 function under salt condition as well as a new gene for salt-tolerant cotton breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-sponsored By Province and Ministry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhifeng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-sponsored By Province and Ministry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-sponsored By Province and Ministry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianbo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-sponsored By Province and Ministry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoliang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-sponsored By Province and Ministry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
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25
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Hu J, Cai J, Xu T, Kang H. Epitranscriptomic mRNA modifications governing plant stress responses: underlying mechanism and potential application. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:2245-2257. [PMID: 36002976 PMCID: PMC9674322 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Plants inevitably encounter environmental adversities, including abiotic and biotic stresses, which significantly impede plant growth and reduce crop yield. Thus, fine-tuning the fate and function of stress-responsive RNAs is indispensable for plant survival under such adverse conditions. Recently, post-transcriptional RNA modifications have been studied as a potent route to regulate plant gene expression under stress. Among over 160 mRNA modifications identified to date, N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) in mRNAs is notable because of its multifaceted roles in plant development and stress response. Recent transcriptome-wide mapping has revealed the distribution and patterns of m6 A in diverse stress-responsive mRNAs in plants, building a foundation for elucidating the molecular link between m6 A and stress response. Moreover, the identification and characterization of m6 A writers, readers and erasers in Arabidopsis and other model crops have offered insights into the biological roles of m6 A in plant abiotic stress responses. Here, we review the recent progress of research on mRNA modifications, particularly m6 A, and their dynamics, distribution, regulation and biological functions in plant stress responses. Further, we posit potential strategies for breeding stress-tolerant crops by engineering mRNA modifications and propose the future direction of research on RNA modifications to gain a much deeper understanding of plant stress biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, School of Life SciencesJiangsu Normal UniversityXuzhouJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life SciencesChonnam National UniversityGwangjuKorea
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life SciencesChonnam National UniversityGwangjuKorea
| | - Tao Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, School of Life SciencesJiangsu Normal UniversityXuzhouJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, School of Life SciencesJiangsu Normal UniversityXuzhouJiangsu ProvinceChina
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life SciencesChonnam National UniversityGwangjuKorea
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26
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Han X, Shi Q, He Z, Song W, Chen Q, Qi Z. Transcriptome-wide N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) methylation in soybean under Meloidogyne incognita infection. ABIOTECH 2022; 3:197-211. [PMID: 36313932 PMCID: PMC9590533 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-022-00077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a reversible epigenetic modification of mRNA and other RNAs that plays a significant role in regulating gene expression and biological processes. However, m6A abundance, dynamics, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms remain unexplored in the context of soybean resistance to Meloidogyne incognita. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of transcriptome-wide m6A and metabolome profiles of soybean root tissues with and without M. incognita infection. Global m6A hypermethylation was widely induced in response to M. incognita infection and was enriched around the 3' end of coding sequences and in 3' UTR regions. There were 2069 significantly modified m6A sites, 594 differentially expressed genes, and 103 differentially accumulated metabolites between infected and uninfected roots, including coumestrol, psoralidin, and 2-hydroxyethylphosphonate. Among 101 m6A-modified DEGs, 34 genes were hypomethylated and upregulated, and 39 genes were hypermethylated and downregulated, indicating a highly negative correlation between m6A methylation and gene transcript abundance. A number of these m6A-modified DEGs, including WRKY70, ERF60, POD47 and LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinases, were involved in plant defense responses. Our study provides new insights into the critical role of m6A modification in early soybean responses to M. incognita. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-022-00077-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030 China
| | - Qianqian Shi
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030 China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Ziyi He
- Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Wenwen Song
- Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Qingshan Chen
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030 China
| | - Zhaoming Qi
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030 China
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27
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Yang X, Patil S, Joshi S, Jamla M, Kumar V. Exploring epitranscriptomics for crop improvement and environmental stress tolerance. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 183:56-71. [PMID: 35567875 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and stressful environmental conditions severely hamper crop growth, development and yield. Plants respond to environmental perturbations, through their plasticity provided by key-genes, governed at post-/transcriptional levels. Gene-regulation in plants is a multilevel process controlled by diverse cellular entities that includes transcription factors (TF), epigenetic regulators and non-coding RNAs beside others. There are successful studies confirming the role of epigenetic modifications (DNA-methylation/histone-modifications) in gene expression. Recent years have witnessed emergence of a highly specialized field the "Epitranscriptomics". Epitranscriptomics deals with investigating post-transcriptional RNA chemical-modifications present across the life forms that change structural, functional and biological characters of RNA. However, deeper insights on of epitranscriptomic modifications, with >140 types known so far, are to be understood fully. Researchers have identified epitranscriptome marks (writers, erasers and readers) and mapped the site-specific RNA modifications (m6A, m5C, 3' uridylation, etc.) responsible for fine-tuning gene expression in plants. Simultaneous advancement in sequencing platforms, upgraded bioinformatic tools and pipelines along with conventional labelled techniques have further given a statistical picture of these epitranscriptomic modifications leading to their potential applicability in crop improvement and developing climate-smart crops. We present herein the insights on epitranscriptomic machinery in plants and how epitranscriptome and epitranscriptomic modifications underlying plant growth, development and environmental stress responses/adaptations. Third-generation sequencing technology, advanced bioinformatics tools and databases being used in plant epitranscriptomics are also discussed. Emphasis is given on potential exploration of epitranscriptome engineering for crop-improvement and developing environmental stress tolerant plants covering current status, challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbo Yang
- College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, 132101, PR China.
| | - Suraj Patil
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411016, India
| | - Shrushti Joshi
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411016, India
| | - Monica Jamla
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411016, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411016, India.
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28
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Ramakrishnan M, Rajan KS, Mullasseri S, Palakkal S, Kalpana K, Sharma A, Zhou M, Vinod KK, Ramasamy S, Wei Q. The plant epitranscriptome: revisiting pseudouridine and 2'-O-methyl RNA modifications. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:1241-1256. [PMID: 35445501 PMCID: PMC9241379 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that post-transcriptional RNA modifications are highly dynamic and can be used to improve crop production. Although more than 172 unique types of RNA modifications have been identified throughout the kingdom of life, we are yet to leverage upon the understanding to optimize RNA modifications in crops to improve productivity. The contributions of internal mRNA modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5 C) methylations to embryonic development, root development, leaf morphogenesis, flowering, fruit ripening and stress response are sufficiently known, but the roles of the two most abundant RNA modifications, pseudouridine (Ψ) and 2'-O-methylation (Nm), in the cell remain unclear due to insufficient advances in high-throughput technologies in plant development. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the latest methods and insights gained in mapping internal Ψ and Nm and their unique properties in plants and other organisms. In addition, we discuss the limitations that remain in high-throughput technologies for qualitative and quantitative mapping of these RNA modifications and highlight future challenges in regulating the plant epitranscriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthusamy Ramakrishnan
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern ChinaNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Bamboo Research InstituteNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - K. Shanmugha Rajan
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology InstituteBar‐Ilan University52900Ramat‐GanIsrael
- Department of Chemical and Structural BiologyWeizmann Institute7610001RehovotIsrael
| | - Sileesh Mullasseri
- School of Ocean Science and TechnologyKerala University of Fisheries and Ocean StudiesCochinIndia
| | - Sarin Palakkal
- The Institute for Drug ResearchSchool of PharmacyThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Krishnan Kalpana
- Department of Plant PathologyAgricultural College and Research InstituteTamilnadu Agricultural University625 104MaduraiTamil NaduIndia
| | - Anket Sharma
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical SilvicultureZhejiang A&F UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Mingbing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical SilvicultureZhejiang A&F UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Bamboo Resources and High‐Efficiency UtilizationZhejiang A&F UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | | | - Subbiah Ramasamy
- Cardiac Metabolic Disease LaboratoryDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Biological SciencesMadurai Kamaraj UniversityMaduraiTamil NaduIndia
| | - Qiang Wei
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern ChinaNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Bamboo Research InstituteNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
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