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.
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