1
|
Yao WJ, Wang YP, Peng J, Yin PP, Gao H, Xu L, Laux T, Zhang XS, Su YH. The RPT2a-MET1 axis regulates TERMINAL FLOWER1 to control inflorescence meristem indeterminacy in Arabidopsis. THE PLANT CELL 2024; 36:1718-1735. [PMID: 37795677 PMCID: PMC11062425 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Plant inflorescence architecture is determined by inflorescence meristem (IM) activity and controlled by genetic mechanisms associated with environmental factors. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1) is expressed in the IM and is required to maintain indeterminate growth, whereas LEAFY (LFY) is expressed in the floral meristems (FMs) formed at the periphery of the IM and is required to activate determinate floral development. Here, we address how Arabidopsis indeterminate inflorescence growth is determined. We show that the 26S proteasome subunit REGULATORY PARTICLE AAA-ATPASE 2a (RPT2a) is required to maintain the indeterminate inflorescence architecture in Arabidopsis. rpt2a mutants display reduced TFL1 expression levels and ectopic LFY expression in the IM and develop a determinate zigzag-shaped inflorescence. We further found that RPT2a promotes DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE1 degradation, leading to DNA hypomethylation upstream of TFL1 and high TFL1 expression levels in the wild-type IM. Overall, our work reveals that proteolytic input into the epigenetic regulation of TFL1 expression directs inflorescence architecture in Arabidopsis, adding an additional layer to stem cell regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Jinsong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Yi Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Jing Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Pei Pei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Hengbin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Thomas Laux
- Sino-German Joint Research Center on Agricultural Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, Shandong 271018, China
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Xian Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Ying Hua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
- Sino-German Joint Research Center on Agricultural Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, Shandong 271018, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vu GTH, Cao HX, Hofmann M, Steiner W, Gailing O. Uncovering epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of growth in Douglas-fir: identification of differential methylation regions in mega-sized introns. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:863-875. [PMID: 37984804 PMCID: PMC10955500 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14229] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Tree growth performance can be partly explained by genetics, while a large proportion of growth variation is thought to be controlled by environmental factors. However, to what extent DNA methylation, a stable epigenetic modification, contributes to phenotypic plasticity in the growth performance of long-lived trees remains unclear. In this study, a comparative analysis of targeted DNA genotyping, DNA methylation and mRNAseq profiling for needles of 44-year-old Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) having contrasting growth characteristics was performed. In total, we identified 195 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 115 differentially methylated loci (DML) that are associated with genes involved in fitness-related processes such as growth, stress management, plant development and energy resources. Interestingly, all four intronic DML were identified in mega-sized (between 100 and 180 kbp in length) and highly expressed genes, suggesting specialized regulation mechanisms of these long intron genes in gymnosperms. DNA repetitive sequences mainly comprising long-terminal repeats of retroelements are involved in growth-associated DNA methylation regulation (both hyper- and hypomethylation) of 99 DML (86.1% of total DML). Furthermore, nearly 14% of the DML was not tagged by single nucleotide polymorphisms, suggesting a unique contribution of the epigenetic variation in tree growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giang Thi Ha Vu
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree BreedingUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed)University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Hieu Xuan Cao
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree BreedingUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed)University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Martin Hofmann
- Nordwestdeutsche Forstliche VersuchsanstaltAbteilung WaldgenressourcenHann. MündenGermany
| | - Wilfried Steiner
- Nordwestdeutsche Forstliche VersuchsanstaltAbteilung WaldgenressourcenHann. MündenGermany
| | - Oliver Gailing
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree BreedingUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed)University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yano N, Fedulov AV. Targeted DNA Demethylation: Vectors, Effectors and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051334. [PMID: 37239005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA hypermethylation at regulatory cis-elements of particular genes is seen in a plethora of pathological conditions including cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, gastrointestinal and renal diseases, as well as in cancer, diabetes and others. Thus, approaches for experimental and therapeutic DNA demethylation have a great potential to demonstrate mechanistic importance, and even causality of epigenetic alterations, and may open novel avenues to epigenetic cures. However, existing methods based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors that elicit genome-wide demethylation are not suitable for treatment of diseases with specific epimutations and provide a limited experimental value. Therefore, gene-specific epigenetic editing is a critical approach for epigenetic re-activation of silenced genes. Site-specific demethylation can be achieved by utilizing sequence-dependent DNA-binding molecules such as zinc finger protein array (ZFA), transcription activator-like effector (TALE) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated dead Cas9 (CRISPR/dCas9). Synthetic proteins, where these DNA-binding domains are fused with the DNA demethylases such as ten-eleven translocation (Tet) and thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) enzymes, successfully induced or enhanced transcriptional responsiveness at targeted loci. However, a number of challenges, including the dependence on transgenesis for delivery of the fusion constructs, remain issues to be solved. In this review, we detail current and potential approaches to gene-specific DNA demethylation as a novel epigenetic editing-based therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Yano
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Alexey V Fedulov
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Laanen P, Cuypers A, Saenen E, Horemans N. Flowering under enhanced ionising radiation conditions and its regulation through epigenetic mechanisms. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 196:246-259. [PMID: 36731286 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.01.049] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As sessile organisms, plants have to deal with unfavourable conditions by acclimating or adapting in order to survive. Regulation of flower induction is one such mechanism to ensure reproduction and species survival. Flowering is a tightly regulated process under the control of a network of genes, which can be affected by environmental cues and stress. The effects of ionising radiation (IR) on flowering, however, have been poorly studied. Understanding the effects of ionising radiation on flowering, including the timing, gene pathways, and epigenetics involved, is crucial in the continuing effort of environmental radiation protection. The review shows that plants alter their flowering pattern in response to IR, with various flowering related genes (eg. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), CONSTANS (CO), GIGANTEA (GI), APETALA1 (AP1), LEAFY (LFY)) and epigenetic processes (DNA methylation, and miRNA expression eg. miRNA169, miR156, miR172) being affected. Thereby, showing a hypothetical IR-induced flowering mechanism. Further research on the interaction between IR and flowering in plants is, however, needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the stress-induced flowering response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pol Laanen
- Biosphere Impact Studies, SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Ann Cuypers
- Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Eline Saenen
- Biosphere Impact Studies, SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Nele Horemans
- Biosphere Impact Studies, SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Research, University of Hasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fu Y, Zhang H, Ma Y, Li C, Zhang K, Liu X. A model worker: Multifaceted modulation of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 orchestrates plant reproductive phases. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1123059. [PMID: 36923132 PMCID: PMC10009171 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1123059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The key phytohormone auxin is involved in practically every aspect of plant growth and development. Auxin regulates these processes by controlling gene expression through functionally distinct AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs (ARFs). As a noncanonical ARF, ARF3/ETTIN (ETT) mediates auxin responses to orchestrate multiple developmental processes during the reproductive phase. The arf3 mutation has pleiotropic effects on reproductive development, causing abnormalities in meristem homeostasis, floral determinacy, phyllotaxy, floral organ patterning, gynoecium morphogenesis, ovule development, and self-incompatibility. The importance of ARF3 is also reflected in its precise regulation at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, translational, and epigenetic levels. Recent studies have shown that ARF3 controls dynamic shoot apical meristem (SAM) maintenance in a non-cell autonomous manner. Here, we summarize the hierarchical regulatory mechanisms by which ARF3 is regulated and the diverse roles of ARF3 regulating developmental processes during the reproductive phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunze Fu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yuru Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cundong Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Xigang Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling, Shijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu X, Liu H, Lian B, Jiang X, Chen C, Tang T, Ding X, Hu J, Zhao S, Zhang S, Wu J. Genome-wide analysis of epigenetic and transcriptional changes in the pathogenesis of RGSV in rice. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1090794. [PMID: 36714706 PMCID: PMC9874293 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1090794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Rice grassy stunt virus (RGSV), a typical negative single-stranded RNA virus, invades rice and generates several disease signs, including dwarfing, tillering, and sterility. Previous research has revealed that RGSV-encoded proteins can force the host's ubiquitin-proteasome system to utilize them for viral pathogenesis. However, most of the studies were limited to a single omics level and lacked multidimensional data collection and correlation analysis on the mechanisms of RGSV-rice interactions. Here, we performed a comprehensive association analysis of genome-wide methylation sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and histone H3K9me3 modification in RGSV-infested as well as non-infested rice leaves, and the levels of all three cytosine contexts (CG, CHG and CHH) were found to be slightly lower in RGSV-infected rice leaves than in normal rice. Large proportions of DMRs were distributed in the promoter and intergenic regions, and most DMRs were enriched in the CHH context, where the number of CHH hypo-DMRs was almost twice as high as that of hyper-DMRs. Among the genes with down-regulated expression and hypermethylation, we analyzed and identified 11 transcripts involved in fertility, plant height and tillering, and among the transcribed up-regulated and hypermethylated genes, we excavated 7 transcripts related to fertility, plant height and tillering. By analyzing the changes of histone H3K9me3 modification before and after virus infestation, we found that the distribution of H3K9me3 modification in the whole rice genome was prevalent, mainly concentrated in the gene promoter and gene body regions, which was distinctly different from the characteristics of animals. Combined with transcriptomic data, H3K9me3 mark was found to favor targeting highly expressed genes. After RGSV infection, H3K9me3 modifications in several regions of CTK and BR hormone signaling-related genes were altered, providing important targets for subsequent studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wu
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongfei Liu
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bi Lian
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tianxin Tang
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinlun Ding
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Vector-borne Virus Research Center, Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Griess O, Domb K, Katz A, Harris KD, Heskiau KG, Ohad N, Zemach A. Knockout of DDM1 in Physcomitrium patens disrupts DNA methylation with a minute effect on transposon regulation and development. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279688. [PMID: 36888585 PMCID: PMC9994747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Snf2 chromatin remodeler, DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1) facilitates DNA methylation. In flowering plants, DDM1 mediates methylation in heterochromatin, which is targeted primarily by MET1 and CMT methylases and is necessary for silencing transposons and for proper development. DNA methylation mechanisms evolved throughout plant evolution, whereas the role of DDM1 in early terrestrial plants remains elusive. Here, we studied the function of DDM1 in the moss, Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens, which has robust DNA methylation that suppresses transposons and is mediated by a MET1, a CMT, and a DNMT3 methylases. To elucidate the role of DDM1 in P. patens, we have generated a knockout mutant and found DNA methylation to be strongly disrupted at any of its sequence contexts. Symmetric CG and CHG sequences were affected stronger than asymmetric CHH sites. Furthermore, despite their separate targeting mechanisms, CG (MET) and CHG (CMT) methylation were similarly depleted by about 75%. CHH (DNMT3) methylation was overall reduced by about 25%, with an evident hyper-methylation activity within lowly-methylated euchromatic transposon sequences. Despite the strong hypomethylation effect, only a minute number of transposons were transcriptionally activated in Ppddm1. Finally, Ppddm1 was found to develop normally throughout the plant life cycle. These results demonstrate that DNA methylation is strongly dependent on DDM1 in a non-flowering plant; that DDM1 is required for plant-DNMT3 (CHH) methylases, though to a lower extent than for MET1 and CMT enzymes; and that distinct and separate methylation pathways (e.g. MET1-CG and CMT-CHG), can be equally regulated by the chromatin and that DDM1 plays a role in it. Finally, our data suggest that the biological significance of DDM1 in terms of transposon regulation and plant development, is species dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ofir Griess
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, Israel
| | - Katherine Domb
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, Israel
| | - Aviva Katz
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, Israel
| | - Keith D. Harris
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, Israel
| | - Karina G. Heskiau
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, Israel
| | - Nir Ohad
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail: (AZ); (NO)
| | - Assaf Zemach
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail: (AZ); (NO)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Srikant T, Yuan W, Berendzen KW, Contreras-Garrido A, Drost HG, Schwab R, Weigel D. Canalization of genome-wide transcriptional activity in Arabidopsis thaliana accessions by MET1-dependent CG methylation. Genome Biol 2022; 23:263. [PMID: 36539836 PMCID: PMC9768921 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02833-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its conserved role on gene expression and transposable element (TE) silencing, genome-wide CG methylation differs substantially between wild Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. RESULTS To test our hypothesis that global reduction of CG methylation would reduce epigenomic, transcriptomic, and phenotypic diversity in A. thaliana accessions, we knock out MET1, which is required for CG methylation, in 18 early-flowering accessions. Homozygous met1 mutants in all accessions suffer from common developmental defects such as dwarfism and delayed flowering, in addition to accession-specific abnormalities in rosette leaf architecture, silique morphology, and fertility. Integrated analysis of genome-wide methylation, chromatin accessibility, and transcriptomes confirms that MET1 inactivation greatly reduces CG methylation and alters chromatin accessibility at thousands of loci. While the effects on TE activation are similarly drastic in all accessions, the quantitative effects on non-TE genes vary greatly. The global expression profiles of accessions become considerably more divergent from each other after genome-wide removal of CG methylation, although a few genes with diverse expression profiles across wild-type accessions tend to become more similar in mutants. Most differentially expressed genes do not exhibit altered chromatin accessibility or CG methylation in cis, suggesting that absence of MET1 can have profound indirect effects on gene expression and that these effects vary substantially between accessions. CONCLUSIONS Systematic analysis of MET1 requirement in different A. thaliana accessions reveals a dual role for CG methylation: for many genes, CG methylation appears to canalize expression levels, with methylation masking regulatory divergence. However, for a smaller subset of genes, CG methylation increases expression diversity beyond genetically encoded differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanvi Srikant
- grid.419580.10000 0001 0942 1125Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany ,grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Present address: Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wei Yuan
- grid.419580.10000 0001 0942 1125Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kenneth Wayne Berendzen
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Plant Transformation and Flow Cytometry Facility, ZMBP, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Adrián Contreras-Garrido
- grid.419580.10000 0001 0942 1125Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hajk-Georg Drost
- grid.419580.10000 0001 0942 1125Computational Biology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schwab
- grid.419580.10000 0001 0942 1125Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Detlef Weigel
- grid.419580.10000 0001 0942 1125Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang H, Gong Z, Zhu JK. Active DNA demethylation in plants: 20 years of discovery and beyond. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:2217-2239. [PMID: 36478523 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13423] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining proper DNA methylation levels in the genome requires active demethylation of DNA. However, removing the methyl group from a modified cytosine is chemically difficult and therefore, the underlying mechanism of demethylation had remained unclear for many years. The discovery of the first eukaryotic DNA demethylase, Arabidopsis thaliana REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1 (ROS1), led to elucidation of the 5-methylcytosine base excision repair mechanism of active DNA demethylation. In the 20 years since ROS1 was discovered, our understanding of this active DNA demethylation pathway, as well as its regulation and biological functions in plants, has greatly expanded. These exciting developments have laid the groundwork for further dissecting the regulatory mechanisms of active DNA demethylation, with potential applications in epigenome editing to facilitate crop breeding and gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Plant Genetics, Shanghai Centre for Plant Stress Biology, Centre for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhizhong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Jian-Kang Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Biotechnology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mattei AL, Bailly N, Meissner A. DNA methylation: a historical perspective. Trends Genet 2022; 38:676-707. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
11
|
GC content of plant genes is linked to past gene duplications. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261748. [PMID: 35025913 PMCID: PMC8758071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequency of G and C nucleotides in genomes varies from species to species, and sometimes even between different genes in the same genome. The monocot grasses have a bimodal distribution of genic GC content absent in dicots. We categorized plant genes from 5 dicots and 4 monocot grasses by synteny to related species and determined that syntenic genes have significantly higher GC content than non-syntenic genes at their 5`-end in the third position within codons for all 9 species. Lower GC content is correlated with gene duplication, as lack of synteny to distantly related genomes is associated with past interspersed gene duplications. Two mutation types can account for biased GC content, mutation of methylated C to T and gene conversion from A to G. Gene conversion involves non-reciprocal exchanges between homologous alleles and is not detectable when the alleles are identical or heterozygous for presence-absence variation, both likely situations for genes duplicated to new loci. Gene duplication can cause production of siRNA which can induce targeted methylation, elevating mC→T mutations. Recently duplicated plant genes are more frequently methylated and less likely to undergo gene conversion, each of these factors synergistically creating a mutational environment favoring AT nucleotides. The syntenic genes with high GC content in the grasses compose a subset that have undergone few duplications, or for which duplicate copies were purged by selection. We propose a “biased gene duplication / biased mutation” (BDBM) model that may explain the origin and trajectory of the observed link between duplication and genic GC bias. The BDBM model is supported by empirical data based on joint analyses of 9 angiosperm species with their genes categorized by duplication status, GC content, methylation levels and functional classes.
Collapse
|
12
|
Wen YX, Wang JY, Zhu HH, Han GH, Huang RN, Huang L, Hong YG, Zheng SJ, Yang JL, Chen WW. Potential Role of Domains Rearranged Methyltransferase7 in Starch and Chlorophyll Metabolism to Regulate Leaf Senescence in Tomato. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:836015. [PMID: 35211145 PMCID: PMC8860812 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.836015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation is an important epigenetic mark involved in diverse biological processes. Here, we report the critical function of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Domains Rearranged Methyltransferase7 (SlDRM7) in plant growth and development, especially in leaf interveinal chlorosis and senescence. Using a hairpin RNA-mediated RNA interference (RNAi), we generated SlDRM7-RNAi lines and observed pleiotropic developmental defects including small and interveinal chlorosis leaves. Combined analyses of whole genome bisulfite sequence (WGBS) and RNA-seq revealed that silencing of SlDRM7 caused alterations in both methylation levels and transcript levels of 289 genes, which are involved in chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, and starch degradation. Furthermore, the photosynthetic capacity decreased in SlDRM7-RNAi lines, consistent with the reduced chlorophyll content and repression of genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosystem, and photosynthesis. In contrast, starch granules were highly accumulated in chloroplasts of SlDRM7-RNAi lines and associated with lowered expression of genes in the starch degradation pathway. In addition, SlDRM7 was activated by aging- and dark-induced senescence. Collectively, these results demonstrate that SlDRM7 acts as an epi-regulator to modulate the expression of genes related to starch and chlorophyll metabolism, thereby affecting leaf chlorosis and senescence in tomatoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guang Hao Han
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ru Nan Huang
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Laboratory of Cell & Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Guo Hong
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shao Jian Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei Chen
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hüther P, Hagmann J, Nunn A, Kakoulidou I, Pisupati R, Langenberger D, Weigel D, Johannes F, Schultheiss SJ, Becker C. MethylScore, a pipeline for accurate and context-aware identification of differentially methylated regions from population-scale plant whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data. QUANTITATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 3:e19. [PMID: 37077980 PMCID: PMC10095865 DOI: 10.1017/qpb.2022.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) is the standard method for profiling DNA methylation at single-nucleotide resolution. Different tools have been developed to extract differentially methylated regions (DMRs), often built upon assumptions from mammalian data. Here, we present MethylScore, a pipeline to analyse WGBS data and to account for the substantially more complex and variable nature of plant DNA methylation. MethylScore uses an unsupervised machine learning approach to segment the genome by classification into states of high and low methylation. It processes data from genomic alignments to DMR output and is designed to be usable by novice and expert users alike. We show how MethylScore can identify DMRs from hundreds of samples and how its data-driven approach can stratify associated samples without prior information. We identify DMRs in the A. thaliana 1,001 Genomes dataset to unveil known and unknown genotype-epigenotype associations .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Hüther
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology GmbH, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
- LMU Biocenter, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Adam Nunn
- ecSeq Bioinformatics GmbH, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ioanna Kakoulidou
- Department of Plant Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Rahul Pisupati
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology GmbH, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Detlef Weigel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biology, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Johannes
- Department of Plant Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | | | - Claude Becker
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology GmbH, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
- LMU Biocenter, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Harnessing epigenetic variability for crop improvement: current status and future prospects. Genes Genomics 2021; 44:259-266. [PMID: 34807374 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01189-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epigenetic mechanisms play critical roles in a vast diversity of biological processes of plants, including development and response to environmental challenges. Particularly, DNA methylation is a stable epigenetic signature that supplements the genetics-based view of complex life phenomena. In crop breeding, the decrease in genetic diversity due to artificial selection of conventional breeding methods has been a long-standing concern. Therefore, the epigenetic diversity has been proposed as a new resource for future crop breeding, which will be hereinafter referred to as epibreeding. DISCUSSION The induction of methylome changes has been performed in plants by several methods including chemical drugs treatment and tissue culture. Target-specific epigenetic engineering has been also attempted by exogenous RNAi mediated by virus-induced gene silencing and grafting. Importantly, the new and innovative techniques including the CRISPR-Cas9 system have recently been adopted in epigenetic engineering of plant genomes, facilitating the efforts for epibreeding. CONCLUSION In this review, we introduce several examples of natural and induced epigenetic changes impacting on agronomic traits and discuss the methods for generating epigenomic diversity and site-specific epigenetic engineering.
Collapse
|
15
|
Osadchuk K, Cheng CL, Irish EE. The integration of leaf-derived signals sets the timing of vegetative phase change in maize, a process coordinated by epigenetic remodeling. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 312:111035. [PMID: 34620439 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.111035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
After germination, the maize shoot proceeds through a series of developmental stages before flowering. The first transition occurs during the vegetative phase where the shoot matures from the juvenile to the adult phase, called vegetative phase change (VPC). In maize, both phases exhibit easily-scored morphological characteristics, facilitating the elucidation of molecular mechanisms directing the characteristic gene expression patterns and resulting physiological features of each phase. miR156 expression is high during the juvenile phase, suppressing expression of squamosa promoter binding proteins/SBP-like transcription factors and miR172. The decline in miR156 and subsequent increase in miR172 expression marks the transition into the adult phase, where miR172 represses transcripts that confer juvenile traits. Leaf-derived signals attenuate miR156 expression and thus the duration of the juvenile phase. As found in other species, VPC in maize utilizes signals that consist of hormones, stress, and sugar to direct epigenetic modifiers. In this review we identify the intersection of leaf-derived signaling with components that contribute to the epigenetic changes which may, in turn, manage the distinct global gene expression patterns of each phase. In maize, published research regarding chromatin remodeling during VPC is minimal. Therefore, we identified epigenetic regulators in the maize genome and, using published gene expression data and research from other plant species, identify VPC candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista Osadchuk
- 129 E. Jefferson Street, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chi-Lien Cheng
- 129 E. Jefferson Street, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Erin E Irish
- 129 E. Jefferson Street, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hu D, Yu Y, Wang C, Long Y, Liu Y, Feng L, Lu D, Liu B, Jia J, Xia R, Du J, Zhong X, Gong L, Wang K, Zhai J. Multiplex CRISPR-Cas9 editing of DNA methyltransferases in rice uncovers a class of non-CG methylation specific for GC-rich regions. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:2950-2964. [PMID: 34117872 PMCID: PMC8462809 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation in the non-CG context is widespread in the plant kingdom and abundant in mammalian tissues such as the brain and pluripotent cells. Non-CG methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana is coordinately regulated by DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE (DRM) and CHROMOMETHYLASE (CMT) proteins but has yet to be systematically studied in major crops due to difficulties in obtaining genetic materials. Here, utilizing the highly efficient multiplex CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system, we created single- and multiple-knockout mutants for all the nine DNA methyltransferases in rice (Oryza sativa) and profiled their whole-genome methylation status at single-nucleotide resolution. Surprisingly, the simultaneous loss of DRM2, CHROMOMETHYLASE3 (CMT2), and CMT3 functions, which completely erases all non-CG methylation in Arabidopsis, only partially reduced it in rice. The regions that remained heavily methylated in non-CG contexts in the rice Os-dcc (Osdrm2/cmt2/cmt3a) triple mutant had high GC contents. Furthermore, the residual non-CG methylation in the Os-dcc mutant was eliminated in the Os-ddccc (Osdrm2/drm3/cmt2/cmt3a/cmt3b) quintuple mutant but retained in the Os-ddcc (Osdrm2/drm3/cmt2/cmt3a) quadruple mutant, demonstrating that OsCMT3b maintains non-CG methylation in the absence of other major methyltransferases. Our results showed that OsCMT3b is subfunctionalized to accommodate a distinct cluster of non-CG-methylated sites at highly GC-rich regions in the rice genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daoheng Hu
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yiming Yu
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Chun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanping Long
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Li Feng
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Dongdong Lu
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jinbu Jia
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Rui Xia
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiamu Du
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xuehua Zhong
- Laboratory of Genetics & Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Kejian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jixian Zhai
- School of Life Sciences & Institute of Plant and Food Science & Key Laboratory of Molecular Design for Plant Cell Factory of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
El-Sappah AH, Yan K, Huang Q, Islam MM, Li Q, Wang Y, Khan MS, Zhao X, Mir RR, Li J, El-Tarabily KA, Abbas M. Comprehensive Mechanism of Gene Silencing and Its Role in Plant Growth and Development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:705249. [PMID: 34589097 PMCID: PMC8475493 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.705249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing is a negative feedback mechanism that regulates gene expression to define cell fate and also regulates metabolism and gene expression throughout the life of an organism. In plants, gene silencing occurs via transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) and post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). TGS obscures transcription via the methylation of 5' untranslated region (5'UTR), whereas PTGS causes the methylation of a coding region to result in transcript degradation. In this review, we summarized the history and molecular mechanisms of gene silencing and underlined its specific role in plant growth and crop production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H. El-Sappah
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Kuan Yan
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Qiulan Huang
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
- College of Tea Science, Yibin University, Yibin, China
| | | | - Quanzi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Muhammad Sarwar Khan
- Center of Agriculture Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Xianming Zhao
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Reyazul Rouf Mir
- Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST–K), Sopore, India
| | - Jia Li
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| | - Khaled A. El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Manzar Abbas
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Refining Sichuan Tea, Yibin, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Long J, Liu J, Xia A, Springer NM, He Y. Maize decrease in DNA methylation 1 targets RNA-directed DNA methylation on active chromatin. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:2183-2196. [PMID: 33779761 PMCID: PMC8364229 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays vital roles in repressing transposable element activity and regulating gene expression. The chromatin-remodeling factor Decrease in DNA methylation 1 (DDM1) is crucial for maintaining DNA methylation across diverse plant species, and is required for RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) to maintain mCHH islands in maize (Zea mays). However, the mechanisms by which DDM1 is involved in RdDM are not well understood. In this work, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing to ascertain the genome-wide occupancy of ZmDDM1 in the maize genome. The results revealed that ZmDDM1 recognized an 8-bp-long GC-rich degenerate DNA sequence motif, which is enriched in transcription start sites and other euchromatic regions. Meanwhile, 24-nucleotide siRNAs and CHH methylation were delineated at the edge of ZmDDM1-occupied sites. ZmDDM1 co-purified with Argonaute 4 (ZmAGO4) proteins, providing further evidence that ZmDDM1 is a component of RdDM complexes in planta. Consistent with this, the vast majority of ZmDDM1-targeted regions co-localized with ZmAGO4-bound genomic sites. Overall, our results suggest a model that ZmDDM1 may be recruited to euchromatic regions via recognition of a GC-rich motif, thereby remodeling chromatin to provide access for RdDM activities in maize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Long
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Jinghan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Aiai Xia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Nathan M. Springer
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhao Y, Zhong Y, Ye C, Liang P, Pan X, Zhang YY, Zhang Y, Shen Y. Multi-omics analyses on Kandelia obovata reveal its response to transplanting and genetic differentiation among populations. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:341. [PMID: 34281510 PMCID: PMC8287808 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03123-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restoration through planting is the dominant strategy to conserve mangrove ecosystems. However, many of the plantations fail to survive. Site and seeding selection matters for planting. The process of afforestation, where individuals were planted in a novel environment, is essentially human-controlled transplanting events. Trying to deepen and expand the understanding of the effects of transplanting on plants, we have performed a seven-year-long reciprocal transplant experiment on Kandelia obovata along a latitudinal gradient. RESULTS Combined phenotypic analyses and next-generation sequencing, we found phenotypic discrepancies among individuals from different populations in the common garden and genetic differentiation among populations. The central population with abundant genetic diversity and high phenotypic plasticity had a wide plantable range. But its biomass was reduced after being transferred to other latitudes. The suppressed expression of lignin biosynthesis genes revealed by RNA-seq was responsible for the biomass reduction. Moreover, using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we observed modification of DNA methylation in MADS-box genes that involved in the regulation of flowering time, which might contribute to the adaptation to new environments. CONCLUSIONS Taking advantage of classical ecological experiments as well as multi-omics analyses, our work observed morphology differences and genetic differentiation among different populations of K. obovata, offering scientific advice for the development of restoration strategy with long-term efficacy, also explored phenotypic, transcript, and epigenetic responses of plants to transplanting events between latitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuze Zhao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of E, ducation for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Yifan Zhong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of E, ducation for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Congting Ye
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of E, ducation for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Pingping Liang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of E, ducation for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaobao Pan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of E, ducation for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yuan-Ye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of E, ducation for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of E, ducation for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Yingjia Shen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of E, ducation for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
RNA-directed DNA methylation prevents rapid and heritable reversal of transposon silencing under heat stress in Zea mays. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009326. [PMID: 34125827 PMCID: PMC8224964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In large complex plant genomes, RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) ensures that epigenetic silencing is maintained at the boundary between genes and flanking transposable elements. In maize, RdDM is dependent on Mediator of Paramutation1 (Mop1), a gene encoding a putative RNA dependent RNA polymerase. Here we show that although RdDM is essential for the maintenance of DNA methylation of a silenced MuDR transposon in maize, a loss of that methylation does not result in a restoration of activity. Instead, heritable maintenance of silencing is maintained by histone modifications. At one terminal inverted repeat (TIR) of this element, heritable silencing is mediated via histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), and histone H3 lysine 27 dimethylation (H3K27me2), even in the absence of DNA methylation. At the second TIR, heritable silencing is mediated by histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), a mark normally associated with somatically inherited gene silencing. We find that a brief exposure of high temperature in a mop1 mutant rapidly reverses both of these modifications in conjunction with a loss of transcriptional silencing. These reversals are heritable, even in mop1 wild-type progeny in which methylation is restored at both TIRs. These observations suggest that DNA methylation is neither necessary to maintain silencing, nor is it sufficient to initiate silencing once has been reversed. However, given that heritable reactivation only occurs in a mop1 mutant background, these observations suggest that DNA methylation is required to buffer the effects of environmental stress on transposable elements. Most plant genomes are mostly transposable elements (TEs), most of which are held in check by modifications of both DNA and histones. The bulk of silenced TEs are associated with methylated DNA and histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2). In contrast, epigenetically silenced genes are often associated with histone lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Although stress can affect each of these modifications, plants are generally competent to rapidly reset them following that stress. Here we demonstrate that although DNA methylation is not required to maintain silencing of the MuDR element, it is essential for preventing heat-induced, stable and heritable changes in both H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 at this element, and for concomitant changes in transcriptional activity. These finding suggest that RdDM acts to buffer the effects of heat on silenced transposable elements, and that a loss of DNA methylation under conditions of stress can have profound and long-lasting effects on epigenetic silencing in maize.
Collapse
|
21
|
Fang J, Leichter SM, Jiang J, Biswal M, Lu J, Zhang ZM, Ren W, Zhai J, Cui Q, Zhong X, Song J. Substrate deformation regulates DRM2-mediated DNA methylation in plants. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabd9224. [PMID: 34078593 PMCID: PMC8172135 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd9224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a major epigenetic mechanism critical for gene expression and genome stability. In plants, domains rearranged methyltransferase 2 (DRM2) preferentially mediates CHH (H = C, T, or A) methylation, a substrate specificity distinct from that of mammalian DNA methyltransferases. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we report structure-function characterization of DRM2-mediated methylation. An arginine finger from the catalytic loop intercalates into the nontarget strand of DNA through the minor groove, inducing large DNA deformation that affects the substrate preference of DRM2. The target recognition domain stabilizes the enlarged major groove via shape complementarity rather than base-specific interactions, permitting substrate diversity. The engineered DRM2 C397R mutation introduces base-specific contacts with the +2-flanking guanine, thereby shifting the substrate specificity of DRM2 toward CHG DNA. Together, this study uncovers DNA deformation as a mechanism in regulating the specificity of DRM2 toward diverse CHH substrates and illustrates methylome complexity in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Fang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Sarah M Leichter
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jianjun Jiang
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Mahamaya Biswal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jiuwei Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Zhi-Min Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Wendan Ren
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jixian Zhai
- Department of Biology and Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Qiang Cui
- Departments of Chemistry, Physics, and Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xuehua Zhong
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jikui Song
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Perspectives for epigenetic editing in crops. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:381-400. [PMID: 33891288 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific nucleases (SSNs) have drawn much attention in plant biotechnology due to their ability to drive precision mutagenesis, gene targeting or allele replacement. However, when devoid of its nuclease activity, the underlying DNA-binding activity of SSNs can be used to bring other protein functional domains close to specific genomic sites, thus expanding further the range of applications of the technology. In particular, the addition of functional domains encoding epigenetic effectors and chromatin modifiers to the CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein complex opens the possibility to introduce targeted epigenomic modifications in plants in an easily programmable manner. Here we examine some of the most important agronomic traits known to be controlled epigenetically and review the best studied epigenetic catalytic effectors in plants, such as DNA methylases/demethylases or histone acetylases/deacetylases and their associated marks. We also review the most efficient strategies developed to date to functionalize Cas proteins with both catalytic and non-catalytic epigenetic effectors, and the ability of these domains to influence the expression of endogenous genes in a regulatable manner. Based on these new technical developments, we discuss the possibilities offered by epigenetic editing tools in plant biotechnology and their implications in crop breeding.
Collapse
|
23
|
Baduel P, Colot V. The epiallelic potential of transposable elements and its evolutionary significance in plants. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200123. [PMID: 33866816 PMCID: PMC8059525 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA provides the fundamental framework for heritability, yet heritable trait variation need not be completely ‘hard-wired’ into the DNA sequence. In plants, the epigenetic machinery that controls transposable element (TE) activity, and which includes DNA methylation, underpins most known cases of inherited trait variants that are independent of DNA sequence changes. Here, we review our current knowledge of the extent, mechanisms and potential adaptive contribution of epiallelic variation at TE-containing alleles in this group of species. For the purpose of this review, we focus mainly on DNA methylation, as it provides an easily quantifiable readout of such variation. The picture that emerges is complex. On the one hand, pronounced differences in DNA methylation at TE sequences can either occur spontaneously or be induced experimentally en masse across the genome through genetic means. Many of these epivariants are stably inherited over multiple sexual generations, thus leading to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Functional consequences can be significant, yet they are typically of limited magnitude and although the same epivariants can be found in nature, the factors involved in their generation in this setting remain to be determined. On the other hand, moderate DNA methylation variation at TE-containing alleles can be reproducibly induced by the environment, again usually with mild effects, and most of this variation tends to be lost across generations. Based on these considerations, we argue that TE-containing alleles, rather than their inherited epiallelic variants, are the main targets of natural selection. Thus, we propose that the adaptive contribution of TE-associated epivariation, whether stable or not, lies predominantly in its capacity to modulate TE mobilization in response to the environment, hence providing hard-wired opportunities for the flexible exploration of the phenotypic space. This article is part of the theme issue ‘How does epigenetics influence the course of evolution?’
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Baduel
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Colot
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bondada R, Somasundaram S, Marimuthu MP, Badarudeen MA, Puthiyaveedu VK, Maruthachalam R. Natural epialleles of Arabidopsis SUPERMAN display superwoman phenotypes. Commun Biol 2020; 3:772. [PMID: 33319840 PMCID: PMC7738503 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epimutations are heritable changes in gene function due to loss or gain of DNA cytosine methylation or chromatin modifications without changes in the DNA sequence. Only a few natural epimutations displaying discernible phenotypes are documented in plants. Here, we report natural epimutations in the cadastral gene, SUPERMAN(SUP), showing striking phenotypes despite normal transcription, discovered in a natural tetraploid, and subsequently in eleven diploid Arabidopsis genetic accessions. This natural lois lane(lol) epialleles behave as recessive mendelian alleles displaying a spectrum of silent to strong superwoman phenotypes affecting only the carpel whorl, in contrast to semi-dominant superman or supersex features manifested by induced epialleles which affect both stamen and carpel whorls. Despite its unknown origin, natural lol epialleles are subjected to the same epigenetic regulation as induced clk epialleles. The existence of superwoman epialleles in diverse wild populations is interpreted in the light of the evolution of unisexuality in plants. Ramesh Bondada et al. report natural epimutations in the Arabidopsis SUPERMAN gene from tetraploid and diploid accessions. The existence of these epialleles in diverse wild populations have the potential to shed light on the evolution of unisexuality in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Bondada
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura, Kerala, 695551, India
| | - Saravanakumar Somasundaram
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura, Kerala, 695551, India
| | | | - Mohammed Afsal Badarudeen
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura, Kerala, 695551, India
| | - Vaishak Kanjirakol Puthiyaveedu
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura, Kerala, 695551, India
| | - Ravi Maruthachalam
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura, Kerala, 695551, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bie XM, Dong L, Li XH, Wang H, Gao XQ, Li XG. Trichostatin A and sodium butyrate promotes plant regeneration in common wheat. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2020; 15:1820681. [PMID: 32962515 PMCID: PMC7671042 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2020.1820681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Histone acetylation modification plays a vital role in plant cell division and differentiation. However, the function on wheat mature embryo culture has not been reported. Here, we used the mature embryo of wheat genotypes including CB037, Fielder, and Chinese Spring (CS) as materials to analyze the effects of different concentrations of trichostatin A (TSA) and sodium butyrate (SB) on plant regeneration efficiency. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the induction rates of embryogenic callus and green shoot were significantly increased with the addition of 0.5 µM TSA, while they were reduced under treatment of 2.5 µM TSA on wheat mature embryo. With the respective addition of 200 µM and 1000 µM SB, regeneration frequency of three genotypes was enhanced, especially in Fielder, which reached significant difference compared with the control group. Unfortunately, 0.5 µM TSA and 200 µM SB combination had no apparent effect on wheat regeneration frequency. The results indicated that TSA and SB increase plant regeneration in common wheat. In addition, TSA had a common effect and SB had different effect among genotypes on wheat regeneration frequency. The mechanism of action needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Min Bie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai′an, Shandong, China
- CONTACT Xiao Min Bie
| | - Luhao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai′an, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai′an, Shandong, China
| | - He Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai′an, Shandong, China
| | - Xi-Qi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai′an, Shandong, China
| | - Xing Guo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai′an, Shandong, China
- Xing Guo Li State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai′an, Shandong271018, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Epigenetics and epigenomics: underlying mechanisms, relevance, and implications in crop improvement. Funct Integr Genomics 2020; 20:739-761. [PMID: 33089419 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-020-00756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is defined as changes in gene expression that are not associated with changes in DNA sequence but due to the result of methylation of DNA and post-translational modifications to the histones. These epigenetic modifications are known to regulate gene expression by bringing changes in the chromatin state, which underlies plant development and shapes phenotypic plasticity in responses to the environment and internal cues. This review articulates the role of histone modifications and DNA methylation in modulating biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as crop improvement. It also highlights the possibility of engineering epigenomes and epigenome-based predictive models for improving agronomic traits.
Collapse
|
27
|
Mei Y, Wang Y, Li F, Zhou X. The C4 protein encoded by tomato leaf curl Yunnan virus reverses transcriptional gene silencing by interacting with NbDRM2 and impairing its DNA-binding ability. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008829. [PMID: 33002088 PMCID: PMC7529289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In plants, cytosine DNA methylation is an efficient defense mechanism against geminiviruses, since methylation of the viral genome results in transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). As a counter-defense mechanism, geminiviruses encode viral proteins to suppress viral DNA methylation and TGS. However, the molecular mechanisms by which viral proteins contribute to TGS suppression remain incompletely understood. In this study, we found that the C4 protein encoded by tomato leaf curl Yunnan virus (TLCYnV) suppresses methylation of the viral genome through interacting with and impairing the DNA-binding ability of NbDRM2, a pivotal DNA methyltransferase in the methyl cycle. We show that NbDRM2 catalyzes the addition of methyl groups on specific cytosine sites of the viral genome, hence playing an important role in anti-viral defense. Underscoring the relevance of the C4-mediated suppression of NbDRM2 activity, plants infected by TLCYnV producing C4(S43A), a point mutant version of C4 unable to interact with NbDRM2, display milder symptoms and lower virus accumulation, concomitant with enhanced viral DNA methylation, than plants infected by wild-type TLCYnV. Expression of TLCYnV C4, but not of the NbDRM2-interaction compromised C4(S43A) mutant, in 16c-TGS Nicotiana benthamiana plants results in the recovery of GFP, a proxy for suppression of TGS. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which geminiviruses suppress TGS, and uncovers a new viral strategy based on the inactivation of the methyltransferase NbDRM2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaqin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xueping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dhami N, Cazzonelli CI. Prolonged cold exposure to Arabidopsis juvenile seedlings extends vegetative growth and increases the number of shoot branches. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2020; 15:1789320. [PMID: 32631114 PMCID: PMC8550187 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2020.1789320] [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: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors such as photoperiod, temperature, phytohormones, sugars, and soil nutrients can affect the development of axillary meristems and emergence of shoot branches in plants. We investigated how an extended period of cold exposure to Arabidopsis plants before and after inflorescence meristem differentiation would affect plant growth and shoot branching. The number of rosette leaves and shoot branches increased when wild type (WT) juvenile seedlings, but not adult plants, were subjected to a prolonged cold exposure (10/7°C day/night cycle). As the duration of cold exposure to WT juvenile seedlings increased, so too did the rosette area, number of leaves, and rosette branches revealing an extended period of vegetative growth. The prolonged cold treatment also increased the primary inflorescence stem height and number of cauline branches in WT plants revealing a delay in reproductive development that could be altered by early (set domain group 8; sdg8) and late (methyltransferase 1; met1) flowering mutants. The axillary buds/leaf and rosette branches/leaf ratios declined significantly in WT, yet were enhanced in the loss-of-function of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 7 (ccd7) and teosinte branched 1 (brc1) hyper-branched mutants. This indicated that axillary meristem differentiation continued during the cold exposure, which did not directly impact axillary bud formation or shoot branching. We conclude that a prolonged cold exposure to juvenile seedlings prior to inflorescence meristem development extended vegetative growth and delayed the reproductive phase to allow additional leaf primordia and axillary meristems to differentiate that enhanced the number of shoot branches in Arabidopsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namraj Dhami
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ning YQ, Liu N, Lan KK, Su YN, Li L, Chen S, He XJ. DREAM complex suppresses DNA methylation maintenance genes and precludes DNA hypermethylation. NATURE PLANTS 2020; 6:942-956. [PMID: 32661276 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-020-0710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The DNA methyltransferases MET1 and CMT3 are known to be responsible for maintenance of DNA methylation at symmetric CG and CHG sites, respectively, in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, it is unknown how the expression of methyltransferase genes is regulated in different cell states and whether change in expression affects DNA methylation at the whole-genome level. Using a reverse genetic screen, we identified TCX5, a tesmin/TSO1-like CXC domain-containing protein, and demonstrated that it is a transcriptional repressor of genes required for maintenance of DNA methylation, which include MET1, CMT3, DDM1, KYP and VIMs. TCX5 functions redundantly with its paralogue TCX6 in repressing the expression of these genes. In the tcx5 tcx6 double mutant, expression of these genes is markedly increased, thereby leading to markedly increased DNA methylation at CHG sites and, to a lesser extent, at CG sites at the whole-genome level. Furthermore, our whole-genome DNA methylation analysis indicated that the CG and CHG methylation level is lower in differentiated quiescent cells than in dividing cells in the wild type but is comparable in the tcx5/6 mutant, suggesting that TCX5/6 are required for maintenance of the difference in DNA methylation between the two cell types. We identified TCX5/6-containing multi-subunit complexes, which are known as DREAM in other eukaryotes, and demonstrated that the Arabidopsis DREAM components function as a whole to preclude DNA hypermethylation. Given that the DREAM complexes are conserved from plants to animals, the preclusion of DNA hypermethylation by DREAM complexes may represent a conserved mechanism in eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qiang Ning
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Liu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke-Ke Lan
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin-Na Su
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - She Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Jian He
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jiang S, Wang N, Chen M, Zhang R, Sun Q, Xu H, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Sui X, Wang S, Fang H, Zuo W, Su M, Zhang J, Fei Z, Chen X. Methylation of MdMYB1 locus mediated by RdDM pathway regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:1736-1748. [PMID: 31930634 PMCID: PMC7336386 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Methylation at the MdMYB1 promoter in apple sports has been reported as a regulator of the anthocyanin pathway, but little is known about how the locus is recognized by the methylation machinery to regulate anthocyanin accumulation. In this study, we analysed three differently coloured 'Fuji' apples and found that differences in the transcript levels of MdMYB1, which encodes a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, control the anthocyanin content (and therefore colour) in fruit skin. The CHH methylation levels in the MR3 region (-1246 to -780) of the MdMYB1 promoter were found to be negatively correlated with MdMYB1 expression. Thus, they were ideal materials to study DNA methylation in apple sports. The protein of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway responsible for CHH methylation, MdAGO4, was found to interact with the MdMYB1 promoter. MdAGO4s can interact with MdRDM1 and MdDRM2s to form an effector complex, fulfilling CHH methylation. When MdAGO4s and MdDRM2s were overexpressed in apple calli and Arabidopsis mutants, those proteins increase the CHH methylation of AGO4-binding sites. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, MdAGO4s were found to specifically bind to sequence containing ATATCAGA. Knockdown of MdNRPE1 did not affect the binding of MdAGO4s to the c3 region of the MdMYB1 promoter in 35S::AGO4 calli. Taken together, our data show that the MdMYB1 locus is methylated through binding of MdAGO4s to the MdMYB1 promoter to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by the RdDM pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Jiang
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Min Chen
- Chinese Academy of SciencesYantai Institute of Coastal Zone ResearchYantaiChina
| | | | - Qingguo Sun
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Haifeng Xu
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Zongying Zhang
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Yicheng Wang
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Xiuqi Sui
- Yantai Modern Fruit Industry Development CompanyYantai Modern Fruit Industry Research InstituteYantaiChina
| | | | - Hongcheng Fang
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Weifang Zuo
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Mengyu Su
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| | - Zhangjun Fei
- Boyce Thompson InstituteCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - Xuesen Chen
- College of Horticulture Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Crop BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production in ShandongShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anChina
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Negin B, Moshelion M. Remember where you came from: ABA insensitivity is epigenetically inherited in mesophyll, but not seeds. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 295:110455. [PMID: 32534619 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Plants transmit their experiences of environmental conditions to their progeny through epigenetic inheritance, improving their progeny's fitness under prevailing conditions. Though ABA is known to regulate epigenetic-modification genes, no strong phenotypic link between those genes and intergenerational "memory" has been shown. Previously, we demonstrated that mesophyll insensitivity to ABA (FBPase::abi1-1{fa} transgenic plants) results in a range of developmental phenotypes, including early growth vigor and early flowering (i.e., stress-escape behavior). Here, we show that null plants, used as controls (segregates of FBPase::abi1 that are homozygote descendants of a heterozygous transgenic plant, but do not contain the transformed abi1-1 gene) phenotypically resembled their FBPase::abi1-1 parents. However, in germination and early seedling development assays, null segregants resembled WT plants. These FBPase::abi1-1 null segregants mesophyll-related phenotypes were reproducible and stable for at least three generations. These results suggest that the heritability of stress response is linked to ABA's epigenetic regulatory effect through ABI1 and mesophyll-related traits. The discrepancy between the epigenetic heritability of seed and mesophyll-related traits is an example of the complexity of epigenetic regulation, which is both gene and process-specific, and may be attributed to the fine-tuning of tradeoffs between flowering time, growth rate and levels of risk that allow annual plants to optimize their fitness in uncertain environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Negin
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Menachem Moshelion
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Quantitative Proteomic Analyses Identify STO/BBX24 -Related Proteins Induced by UV-B. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072496. [PMID: 32260266 PMCID: PMC7178263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants use solar radiation for photosynthesis and are inevitably exposed to UV-B. To adapt to UV-B radiation, plants have evolved a sophisticated strategy, but the mechanism is not well understood. We have previously reported that STO (salt tolerance)/BBX24 is a negative regulator of UV-B-induced photomorphogenesis. However, there is limited knowledge of the regulatory network of STO in UV-B signaling. Here, we report the identification of proteins differentially expressed in the wild type (WT) and sto mutant after UV-B radiation by iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation)-based proteomic analysis to explore differential proteins that depend on STO and UV-B signaling. A total of 8212 proteins were successfully identified, 221 of them were STO-dependent proteins in UV-B irradiated plants. The abundances of STO-dependent PSB and LHC (light-harvesting complex) proteins in sto mutants decreased under UV-B radiation, suggesting that STO is necessary to maintain the normal accumulation of photosynthetic system complex under UV-B radiation to facilitate photosynthesis photon capture. The abundance of phenylalanine lyase-1 (PAL1), chalcone synthetase (CHS), and flavonoid synthetase (FLS) increased significantly after UV-B irradiation, suggesting that the accumulation of flavonoids do not require STO, but UV-B is needed. Under UV-B radiation, STO stabilizes the structure of antenna protein complex by maintaining the accumulation of PSBs and LHCs, thereby enhancing the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) ability, releasing extra energy, protecting photosynthesis, and ultimately promoting the elongation of hypocotyl. The accumulation of flavonoid synthesis key proteins is independent of STO under UV-B radiation. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive regulatory network of STO in UV-B signaling.
Collapse
|
33
|
Jia H, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Fu W, Su L, Fang J, Jia H. Effect of the Methylation Level on the Grape Fruit Development Process. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:2099-2115. [PMID: 31961688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b07740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Grapevine is extensively grown for fresh table grapes, wine, and other processed products worldwide. DNA methylation levels are regulated by DNA methylation maintenance and DNA methylation removal involved in the grapevine growth. We comprehensively analyzed the transcriptome and metabolome of the 'Kyoho' fruit with or without demethylation and screened for a large number of differential genes and metabolites. Color, hardness, and aroma are the most obvious traits reflecting the ripening of grapes. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography to understand the changes in metabolites during ripening. We cloned many key genes selected by transcriptome analysis and found that intron retention was observed in VvCHS, VvDFR, and VvGST. The imbalance of methylation levels affects the alternative splicing of pre-mRNA, which makes the translation process abnormal and affects gene expression. In addition, analyzing promoters of some genes, such as proVvGST4 and proVvUFGT, found that the promoters of these genes after demethylating were more difficult to methylate. Taken together, this study will provide new insights into comprehension of the molecular mechanism of methylation during ripening of grape berries. In addition, the study provides some genetic information to help guide our improvement, cultivation, and management of grapes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Jia
- College of Horticulture , Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210095 , People's Republic of China
| | - Zibo Zhang
- College of Horticulture , Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210095 , People's Republic of China
| | - Saihang Zhang
- College of Horticulture , Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210095 , People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Fu
- College of Horticulture , Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210095 , People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyun Su
- College of Horticulture , Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210095 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jinggui Fang
- College of Horticulture , Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210095 , People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Jia
- College of Horticulture , Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , Jiangsu 210095 , People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Natural variation in DNA methylation homeostasis and the emergence of epialleles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:4874-4884. [PMID: 32071208 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918172117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In plants and mammals, DNA methylation plays a critical role in transcriptional silencing by delineating heterochromatin from transcriptionally active euchromatin. A homeostatic balance between heterochromatin and euchromatin is essential to genomic stability. This is evident in many diseases and mutants for heterochromatin maintenance, which are characterized by global losses of DNA methylation coupled with localized ectopic gains of DNA methylation that alter transcription. Furthermore, we have shown that genome-wide methylation patterns in Arabidopsis thaliana are highly stable over generations, with the exception of rare epialleles. However, the extent to which natural variation in the robustness of targeting DNA methylation to heterochromatin exists, and the phenotypic consequences of such variation, remain to be fully explored. Here we describe the finding that heterochromatin and genic DNA methylation are highly variable among 725 A. thaliana accessions. We found that genic DNA methylation is inversely correlated with that in heterochromatin, suggesting that certain methylation pathway(s) may be redirected to genes upon the loss of heterochromatin. This redistribution likely involves a feedback loop involving the DNA methyltransferase, CHROMOMETHYLASE 3 (CMT3), H3K9me2, and histone turnover, as highly expressed, long genes with a high density of CMT3-preferred CWG sites are more likely to be methylated. Importantly, although the presence of CG methylation in genes alone may not affect transcription, genes containing CG methylation are more likely to become methylated at non-CG sites and silenced. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that natural variation in DNA methylation homeostasis may underlie the evolution of epialleles that alter phenotypes.
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Zangi M, Bagherieh Najjar MB, Golalipour M, Aghdasi M. met1 DNA Methyltransferase Controls TERT Gene Expression: A New Insight to The Role of Telomerase in Development. CELL JOURNAL 2019; 22:71-74. [PMID: 31606969 PMCID: PMC6791074 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2020.6290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective: DNA methylation systems are essential for proper embryo development. Methylation defects lead to
developmental abnormalities. Furthermore, changes in telomerase gene expression can affect stability of chromosomes
and produces abnormal growth. Therefore, defects in both methylation and telomerase gene expression can lead to
developmental abnormalities. We hypothesized that mutation in the methylation systems may induce developmental
abnormalities through changing telomerase gene expression. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we used Arabidopsis thaliana (At) as a developmental model.
DNA was extracted from seedlings leaves. The grown plants were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
reactions. Total RNA was isolated from the mature leaves, stems and flowers of wild type and met1 mutants. For
gene expression analysis, cDNA was synthesized and then quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was
performed. Results: Telomerase gene expression level in homozygous met1 mutant plants showed ~14 fold increase compared
to normal plants. Furthermore, TERT expression in met1 heterozygous was~ 2 fold higher than the wild type plants. Conclusion: Our results suggested that TERT is a methyltransferase-regulated gene which may be involved in
developmental abnormities causing by mutation in met1 methyltransferase system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zangi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Masoud Golalipour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Mahnaz Aghdasi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Seymour DK, Gaut BS. Phylogenetic Shifts in Gene Body Methylation Correlate with Gene Expression and Reflect Trait Conservation. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 37:31-43. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A subset of genes in plant genomes are labeled with DNA methylation specifically at CG residues. These genes, known as gene-body methylated (gbM), have a number of associated characteristics. They tend to have longer sequences, to be enriched for intermediate expression levels, and to be associated with slower rates of molecular evolution. Most importantly, gbM genes tend to maintain their level of DNA methylation between species, suggesting that this trait is under evolutionary constraint. Given the degree of conservation in gbM, we still know surprisingly little about its function in plant genomes or whether gbM is itself a target of selection. To address these questions, we surveyed DNA methylation across eight grass (Poaceae) species that span a gradient of genome sizes. We first established that genome size correlates with genome-wide DNA methylation levels, but less so for genic levels. We then leveraged genomic data to identify a set of 2,982 putative orthologs among the eight species and examined shifts of methylation status for each ortholog in a phylogenetic context. A total of 55% of orthologs exhibited a shift in gbM, but these shifts occurred predominantly on terminal branches, indicating that shifts in gbM are rarely conveyed over time. Finally, we found that the degree of conservation of gbM across species is associated with increased gene length, reduced rates of molecular evolution, and increased gene expression level, but reduced gene expression variation across species. Overall, these observations suggest a basis for evolutionary pressure to maintain gbM status over evolutionary time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danelle K Seymour
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA
| | - Brandon S Gaut
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Grognet P, Timpano H, Carlier F, Aït-Benkhali J, Berteaux-Lecellier V, Debuchy R, Bidard F, Malagnac F. A RID-like putative cytosine methyltransferase homologue controls sexual development in the fungus Podospora anserina. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008086. [PMID: 31412020 PMCID: PMC6709928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases are ubiquitous enzymes conserved in bacteria, plants and opisthokonta. These enzymes, which methylate cytosines, are involved in numerous biological processes, notably development. In mammals and higher plants, methylation patterns established and maintained by the cytosine DNA methyltransferases (DMTs) are essential to zygotic development. In fungi, some members of an extensively conserved fungal-specific DNA methyltransferase class are both mediators of the Repeat Induced Point mutation (RIP) genome defense system and key players of sexual reproduction. Yet, no DNA methyltransferase activity of these purified RID (RIP deficient) proteins could be detected in vitro. These observations led us to explore how RID-like DNA methyltransferase encoding genes would play a role during sexual development of fungi showing very little genomic DNA methylation, if any. To do so, we used the model ascomycete fungus Podospora anserina. We identified the PaRid gene, encoding a RID-like DNA methyltransferase and constructed knocked-out ΔPaRid defective mutants. Crosses involving P. anserina ΔPaRid mutants are sterile. Our results show that, although gametes are readily formed and fertilization occurs in a ΔPaRid background, sexual development is blocked just before the individualization of the dikaryotic cells leading to meiocytes. Complementation of ΔPaRid mutants with ectopic alleles of PaRid, including GFP-tagged, point-mutated and chimeric alleles, demonstrated that the catalytic motif of the putative PaRid methyltransferase is essential to ensure proper sexual development and that the expression of PaRid is spatially and temporally restricted. A transcriptomic analysis performed on mutant crosses revealed an overlap of the PaRid-controlled genetic network with the well-known mating-types gene developmental pathway common to an important group of fungi, the Pezizomycotina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Grognet
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris‐Saclay, France
| | - Hélène Timpano
- Université Paris-Sud, Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie UMR8621, Orsay, France, CNRS, Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie UMR8621, Orsay, France
| | - Florian Carlier
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris‐Saclay, France
| | - Jinane Aït-Benkhali
- Université Paris-Sud, Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie UMR8621, Orsay, France, CNRS, Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie UMR8621, Orsay, France
| | | | - Robert Debuchy
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris‐Saclay, France
| | - Frédérique Bidard
- Université Paris-Sud, Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie UMR8621, Orsay, France, CNRS, Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie UMR8621, Orsay, France
| | - Fabienne Malagnac
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris‐Saclay, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wendte JM, Zhang Y, Ji L, Shi X, Hazarika RR, Shahryary Y, Johannes F, Schmitz RJ. Epimutations are associated with CHROMOMETHYLASE 3-induced de novo DNA methylation. eLife 2019; 8:e47891. [PMID: 31356150 PMCID: PMC6663294 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In many plant species, a subset of transcribed genes are characterized by strictly CG-context DNA methylation, referred to as gene body methylation (gbM). The mechanisms that establish gbM are unclear, yet flowering plant species naturally without gbM lack the DNA methyltransferase, CMT3, which maintains CHG (H = A, C, or T) and not CG methylation at constitutive heterochromatin. Here, we identify the mechanistic basis for gbM establishment by expressing CMT3 in a species naturally lacking CMT3. CMT3 expression reconstituted gbM through a progression of de novo CHG methylation on expressed genes, followed by the accumulation of CG methylation that could be inherited even following loss of the CMT3 transgene. Thus, gbM likely originates from the simultaneous targeting of loci by pathways that promote euchromatin and heterochromatin, which primes genes for the formation of stably inherited epimutations in the form of CG DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jered M Wendte
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
| | - Yinwen Zhang
- Institute of BioinformaticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
| | - Lexiang Ji
- Institute of BioinformaticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
| | - Xiuling Shi
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensUnited States
| | - Rashmi R Hazarika
- Department of Plant ScienceTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Yadollah Shahryary
- Department of Plant ScienceTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Frank Johannes
- Department of Plant ScienceTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
- Institute for Advanced StudyTechnical University of MunichGarchingGermany
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wendte JM, Zhang Y, Ji L, Shi X, Hazarika RR, Shahryary Y, Johannes F, Schmitz RJ. Epimutations are associated with CHROMOMETHYLASE 3-induced de novo DNA methylation. eLife 2019. [PMID: 31356150 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47891.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In many plant species, a subset of transcribed genes are characterized by strictly CG-context DNA methylation, referred to as gene body methylation (gbM). The mechanisms that establish gbM are unclear, yet flowering plant species naturally without gbM lack the DNA methyltransferase, CMT3, which maintains CHG (H = A, C, or T) and not CG methylation at constitutive heterochromatin. Here, we identify the mechanistic basis for gbM establishment by expressing CMT3 in a species naturally lacking CMT3. CMT3 expression reconstituted gbM through a progression of de novo CHG methylation on expressed genes, followed by the accumulation of CG methylation that could be inherited even following loss of the CMT3 transgene. Thus, gbM likely originates from the simultaneous targeting of loci by pathways that promote euchromatin and heterochromatin, which primes genes for the formation of stably inherited epimutations in the form of CG DNA methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jered M Wendte
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
| | - Yinwen Zhang
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
| | - Lexiang Ji
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
| | - Xiuling Shi
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
| | - Rashmi R Hazarika
- Department of Plant Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Yadollah Shahryary
- Department of Plant Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Frank Johannes
- Department of Plant Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Robert J Schmitz
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Long JC, Xia AA, Liu JH, Jing JL, Wang YZ, Qi CY, He Y. Decrease in DNA methylation 1 (DDM1) is required for the formation of m CHH islands in maize. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 61:749-764. [PMID: 30387549 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays a crucial role in suppressing mobilization of transposable elements and regulation of gene expression. A number of studies have indicated that DNA methylation pathways and patterns exhibit distinct properties in different species, including Arabidopsis, rice, and maize. Here, we characterized the function of DDM1 in regulating genome-wide DNA methylation in maize. Two homologs of ZmDDM1 are abundantly expressed in the embryo and their simultaneous disruption caused embryo lethality with abnormalities in cell proliferation from the early stage of kernel development. We establish that ZmDDM1 is critical for DNA methylation, at CHG sites, and to a lesser extent at CG sites, in heterochromatic regions, and unexpectedly, it is required for the formation of m CHH islands. In addition, ZmDDM1 is indispensable for the presence of 24-nt siRNA, suggesting its involvement in the RdDM pathway. Our results provide novel insight into the role of ZmDDM1 in regulating the formation of m CHH islands, via the RdDM pathway maize, suggesting that, in comparison to Arabidopsis, maize may have adopted distinct mechanisms for regulating m CHH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cheng Long
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Ai Ai Xia
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Jing Han Liu
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Ju Li Jing
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Ya Zhong Wang
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Chuang Ye Qi
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Yan He
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
You WJ, Feng YR, Shen YH, Chen YR, Chen TY, Fu SF. Silencing of NbCMT3s has Pleiotropic Effects on Development by Interfering with Autophagy-Related Genes in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 60:1120-1135. [PMID: 30785195 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcz034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a chromatin mark that has a crucial role in regulating gene expression. The chromomethylase (CMT) protein family is a plant-specific DNA methyltransferase that mediates growth and development. However, the roles of CMT3 in autophagy remain to be elucidated. Here, we identified the potential targets of CMT3 in Nicotiana benthamiana (NbCMT3) during developmental programs. Virus-induced gene silencing of NbCMT3/3-2 in N. benthamiana had pleiotropic effects on plant morphology, which indicates its indispensible role in development. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of NbCMT3/3-2-silenced plants revealed interference with genes related to autophagy and ubiquitination. The expression of NbBeclin 1 and NbHRD1B was higher in NbCMT3/3-2-silenced than control plants. The formation of autophagosomes and starch degradation was disrupted in NbCMT3/3-2-silenced plants, which implies a perturbed autophagic processes. We further generated transgenic N. benthamiana plants carrying a chimeric promoter-reporter construct linking the NbBeclin 1 promoter region and β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter (pNbBeclin::GUS). NbBeclin 1 promoter activity was significantly enhanced in NbCMT3/3-2-silenced plants. Thus, NbCMT3/3-2 silencing had pleiotropic effects on development by interfering with NbBeclin 1 expression and autophagy-related processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing You
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, No.1, Jin-De Road, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Feng
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, No.1, Jin-De Road, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Han Shen
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, No.1, Jin-De Road, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ru Chen
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, No.1, Jin-De Road, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Tzy-Yi Chen
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, No.1, Jin-De Road, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Feng Fu
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, No.1, Jin-De Road, Changhua, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Forgione I, Wołoszyńska M, Pacenza M, Chiappetta A, Greco M, Araniti F, Abenavoli MR, Van Lijsebettens M, Bitonti MB, Bruno L. Hypomethylated drm1 drm2 cmt3 mutant phenotype of Arabidopsis thaliana is related to auxin pathway impairment. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 280:383-396. [PMID: 30824017 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation carried out by different methyltransferase classes is a relevant epigenetic modification of DNA which plays a relevant role in the development of eukaryotic organisms. Accordingly, in Arabidopsis thaliana loss of DNA methylation due to combined mutations in genes encoding for DNA methyltransferases causes several developmental abnormalities. The present study describes novel growth disorders in the drm1 drm2 cmt3 triple mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, defective both in maintenance and de novo DNA methylation, and highlights the correlation between DNA methylation and the auxin hormone pathway. By using an auxin responsive reporter gene, we discovered that auxin accumulation and distribution were affected in the mutant compared to the wild type, from embryo to adult plant stage. In addition, we demonstrated that the defective methylation status also affected the expression of genes that regulate auxin hormone pathways from synthesis to transport and signalling and a direct relationship between differentially expressed auxin-related genes and altered auxin accumulation and distribution in embryo, leaf and root was observed. Finally, we provided evidence of the direct and organ-specific modulation of auxin-related genes through the DNA methylation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivano Forgione
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Magdalena Wołoszyńska
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marianna Pacenza
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Adriana Chiappetta
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Maria Greco
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Araniti
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Abenavoli
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Mieke Van Lijsebettens
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Center Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maria Beatrice Bitonti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bruno
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Thiebaut F, Hemerly AS, Ferreira PCG. A Role for Epigenetic Regulation in the Adaptation and Stress Responses of Non-model Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:246. [PMID: 30881369 PMCID: PMC6405435 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years enormous progress has been made in understanding the role of epigenetic regulation response to environmental stimuli, especially in response to stresses. Molecular mechanisms involved in chromatin dynamics and silencing have been explained, leading to an appreciation of how new phenotypes can be generated quickly in response to environmental modifications. In some cases, it has also been shown that epigenetic modifications can be stably transmitted to the next generations. Despite this, the vast majority of studies have been carried out with model plants, particularly with Arabidopsis, and very little is known on how native plants in their natural habitat react to changes in their environment. Climate change has been affecting, sometimes drastically, the conditions of numerous ecosystems around the world, forcing populations of native species to adapt quickly. Although part of the adaptation can be explained by the preexisting genetic variation in the populations, recent studies have shown that new stable phenotypes can be generated through epigenetic modifications in few generations, contributing to the stability and survival of the plants in their natural habitat. Here, we review the recent data that suggest that epigenetic variation can help natural populations to cope to with change in their environments.
Collapse
|
45
|
Chao Q, Gao Z, Zhang D, Zhao B, Dong F, Fu C, Liu L, Wang B. The developmental dynamics of the Populus stem transcriptome. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2019; 17:206-219. [PMID: 29851301 PMCID: PMC6330540 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The Populus shoot undergoes primary growth (longitudinal growth) followed by secondary growth (radial growth), which produces biomass that is an important source of energy worldwide. We adopted joint PacBio Iso-Seq and RNA-seq analysis to identify differentially expressed transcripts along a developmental gradient from the shoot apex to the fifth internode of Populus Nanlin895. We obtained 87 150 full-length transcripts, including 2081 new isoforms and 62 058 new alternatively spliced isoforms, most of which were produced by intron retention, that were used to update the Populus annotation. Among these novel isoforms, there are 1187 long non-coding RNAs and 356 fusion genes. Using this annotation, we found 15 838 differentially expressed transcripts along the shoot developmental gradient, of which 1216 were transcription factors (TFs). Only a few of these genes were reported previously. The differential expression of these TFs suggests that they may play important roles in primary and secondary growth. AP2, ARF, YABBY and GRF TFs are highly expressed in the apex, whereas NAC, bZIP, PLATZ and HSF TFs are likely to be important for secondary growth. Overall, our findings provide evidence that long-read sequencing can complement short-read sequencing for cataloguing and quantifying eukaryotic transcripts and increase our understanding of the vital and dynamic process of shoot development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chao
- Key Laboratory of PhotobiologyPhotosynthesis Research CenterInstitute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhi‐Fang Gao
- Key Laboratory of PhotobiologyPhotosynthesis Research CenterInstitute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Dong Zhang
- Biomarker Technologies CorporationBeijingChina
| | - Biligen‐Gaowa Zhao
- Key Laboratory of PhotobiologyPhotosynthesis Research CenterInstitute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Feng‐Qin Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular PhysiologyInstitute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Chun‐Xiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of BiofuelsQingdao Engineering Research Center of Biomass Resources and EnvironmentQingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Li‐Jun Liu
- College of ForestryShandong Agricultural UniversityTai‐AnShandongChina
| | - Bai‐Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of PhotobiologyPhotosynthesis Research CenterInstitute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tedeschi F, Rizzo P, Huong BTM, Czihal A, Rutten T, Altschmied L, Scharfenberg S, Grosse I, Becker C, Weigel D, Bäumlein H, Kuhlmann M. EFFECTOR OF TRANSCRIPTION factors are novel plant-specific regulators associated with genomic DNA methylation in Arabidopsis. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 221:261-278. [PMID: 30252137 PMCID: PMC6585611 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plant-specific EFFECTORS OF TRANSCRIPTION (ET) are characterised by a variable number of highly conserved ET repeats, which are involved in zinc and DNA binding. In addition, ETs share a GIY-YIG domain, involved in DNA nicking activity. It was hypothesised that ETs might act as epigenetic regulators. Here, methylome, transcriptome and phenotypic analyses were performed to investigate the role of ET factors and their involvement in DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Comparative DNA methylation and transcriptome analyses in flowers and seedlings of et mutants revealed ET-specific differentially expressed genes and mostly independently characteristic, ET-specific differentially methylated regions. Loss of ET function results in pleiotropic developmental defects. The accumulation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers after ultraviolet stress in et mutants suggests an ET function in DNA repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tedeschi
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)06466Seeland OT GaterslebenGermany
| | - Paride Rizzo
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)06466Seeland OT GaterslebenGermany
| | - Bui Thi Mai Huong
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)06466Seeland OT GaterslebenGermany
| | - Andreas Czihal
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)06466Seeland OT GaterslebenGermany
| | - Twan Rutten
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)06466Seeland OT GaterslebenGermany
| | - Lothar Altschmied
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)06466Seeland OT GaterslebenGermany
| | | | - Ivo Grosse
- Department of BioinformaticsMartin‐Luther‐University06120HalleGermany
| | - Claude Becker
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Developmental Biology72076TübingenGermany
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology1030ViennaAustria
| | - Detlef Weigel
- Department of Molecular BiologyMax Planck Institute for Developmental Biology72076TübingenGermany
| | - Helmut Bäumlein
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)06466Seeland OT GaterslebenGermany
| | - Markus Kuhlmann
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)06466Seeland OT GaterslebenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nucleosome Positioning by an Evolutionarily Conserved Chromatin Remodeler Prevents Aberrant DNA Methylation in Neurospora. Genetics 2018; 211:563-578. [PMID: 30554169 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, constitutive heterochromatin is marked by tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me3) and DNA methylation. We identified mutations in the Neurospora defective in methylation-1 (dim-1) gene that cause defects in cytosine methylation and implicate a putative AAA-ATPase chromatin remodeler. Although it was well-established that chromatin remodelers can affect transcription by influencing DNA accessibility with nucleosomes, little was known about the role of remodelers on chromatin that is normally not transcribed, including regions of constitutive heterochromatin. We found that dim-1 mutants display both reduced DNA methylation in heterochromatic regions as well as increased DNA methylation and H3K9me3 in some intergenic regions associated with highly expressed genes. Deletion of dim-1 leads to atypically spaced nucleosomes throughout the genome and numerous changes in gene expression. DIM-1 localizes to both heterochromatin and intergenic regions that become hyper-methylated in dim-1 strains. Our findings indicate that DIM-1 normally positions nucleosomes in both heterochromatin and euchromatin and that the standard arrangement and density of nucleosomes is required for the proper function of heterochromatin machinery.
Collapse
|
48
|
Tan LM, Zhang CJ, Hou XM, Shao CR, Lu YJ, Zhou JX, Li YQ, Li L, Chen S, He XJ. The PEAT protein complexes are required for histone deacetylation and heterochromatin silencing. EMBO J 2018; 37:embj.201798770. [PMID: 30104406 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201798770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, heterochromatin regions are typically subjected to transcriptional silencing. DNA methylation has an important role in such silencing and has been studied extensively. However, little is known about how methylated heterochromatin regions are subjected to silencing. We conducted a genetic screen and identified an epcr (enhancer of polycomb-related) mutant that releases heterochromatin silencing in Arabidopsis thaliana We demonstrated that EPCR1 functions redundantly with its paralog EPCR2 and interacts with PWWP domain-containing proteins (PWWPs), AT-rich interaction domain-containing proteins (ARIDs), and telomere repeat binding proteins (TRBs), thus forming multiple functionally redundant protein complexes named PEAT (PWWPs-EPCRs-ARIDs-TRBs). The PEAT complexes mediate histone deacetylation and heterochromatin condensation and thereby facilitate heterochromatin silencing. In heterochromatin regions, the production of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and DNA methylation is repressed by the PEAT complexes. The study reveals how histone deacetylation, heterochromatin condensation, siRNA production, and DNA methylation interplay with each other and thereby maintain heterochromatin silencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Mei Tan
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cui-Jun Zhang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Hou
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yu-Jia Lu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Xing Zhou
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - She Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Jian He
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China .,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Vial-Pradel S, Keta S, Nomoto M, Luo L, Takahashi H, Suzuki M, Yokoyama Y, Sasabe M, Kojima S, Tada Y, Machida Y, Machida C. Arabidopsis Zinc-Finger-Like Protein ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2) and Two Nucleolar Proteins Maintain Gene Body DNA Methylation in the Leaf Polarity Gene ETTIN (ARF3). PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 59:1385-1397. [PMID: 29415182 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcy031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Arabidopsis ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2) plays a critical role in leaf adaxial-abaxial partitioning by repressing expression of the abaxial-determining gene ETTIN/AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ETT/ARF3). We previously reported that six CpG dinucleotides in its exon 6 are thoroughly methylated by METHYLTRASFERASE1, that CpG methylation levels are inversely correlated with ETT/ARF3 transcript levels and that methylation levels at three out of the six CpG dinucleotides are decreased in as2-1. All these imply that AS2 is involved in epigenetic repression of ETT/ARF3 by gene body DNA methylation. The mechanism of the epigenetic repression by AS2, however, is unknown. Here, we tested mutations of NUCLEOLIN1 (NUC1) and RNA HELICASE10 (RH10) encoding nucleolus-localized proteins for the methylation in exon 6 as these mutations enhance the level of ETT/ARF3 transcripts in as2-1. Methylation levels at three specific CpGs were decreased in rh10-1, and two of those three overlapped with those in as2-1. Methylation levels at two specific CpGs were decreased in nuc1-1, and one of those three overlapped with that in as2-1. No site was affected by both rh10-1 and nuc1-1. One specific CpG was unaffected by these mutations. These results imply that the way in which RH10, NUC1 and AS2 are involved in maintaining methylation at five CpGs in exon 6 might be through at least several independent pathways, which might interact with each other. Furthermore, we found that AS2 binds specifically the sequence containing CpGs in exon 1 of ETT/ARF3, and that the binding requires the zinc-finger-like motif in AS2 that is structurally similar to the zinc finger-CxxC domain in vertebrate DNA methyltransferase1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Vial-Pradel
- Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Sumie Keta
- Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mika Nomoto
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Lilan Luo
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiro Takahashi
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Masataka Suzuki
- Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuri Yokoyama
- Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Michiko Sasabe
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Department of Biology, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Shoko Kojima
- Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuomi Tada
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Center for Gene Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasunori Machida
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chiyoko Machida
- Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
The DNA Methylome and Association of Differentially Methylated Regions with Differential Gene Expression during Heat Stress in Brassica rapa. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051414. [PMID: 29747401 PMCID: PMC5983725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosine DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism in the silencing of transposable elements, imprinting and regulating gene expression. However, little is known about the potential role of mC in response to heat stress. To determine and explore the functions of the dynamic DNA methylome during heat stress, we characterized single-base resolution methylome maps of Brassica rapa and assessed the dynamic changes of mC under heat stress using whole genome bisulfite sequencing. On average, the DNA methylation levels of CG, CHG and CHH are 39.3%, 15.38% and 5.24% in non-heading Chinese cabbage (NHCC), respectively. We found that the patterns of methylation are similar to other eudicot plants, but with higher CHH methylation levels. Further comparative analysis revealed varying patterns for three sequence contexts (mCG, mCHG and mCHH) under heat stress indicating context- and position-dependent methylation regulation. DNA methylation near the TSS and TES may be closely associated with methylation-dependent transcriptional silencing. Association analysis of differential methylation and differential gene expression revealed a different set of methDEGs involved at early and late stages under heat stress. The systemic characterization of the dynamic DNA methylome during heat stress will improve our understanding of the mechanism of epigenetic regulation under heat stress.
Collapse
|