Dynamic DNA Methylation in Plant Growth and Development

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Pooja Nair¹  Liam Stacey¹  Arthur Bartels¹  Matthew Mosley¹  Hannah Gaynier¹  JacobK. Pearson¹  Qiang Han¹  QiQing Huang¹  Wenyan Xiao¹  Tzung-Fu Hsieh²  Yong-QiangCharles An³ 

[1] Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA;Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;Plant Genetics Research Unit, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Midwest Area, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA;

关键词: DNA methylation;    methylome;    seed;    development;    gene expression;    dynamics;    epigenetics;    transposable element;    plant;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms19072144

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification required for transposable element (TE) silencing, genome stability, and genomic imprinting. Although DNA methylation has been intensively studied, the dynamic nature of methylation among different species has just begun to be understood. Here we summarize the recent progress in research on the wide variation of DNA methylation in different plants, organs, tissues, and cells; dynamic changes of methylation are also reported during plant growth and development as well as changes in response to environmental stresses. Overall DNA methylation is quite diverse among species, and it occurs in CG, CHG, and CHH (H = A, C, or T) contexts of genes and TEs in angiosperms. Moderately expressed genes are most likely methylated in gene bodies. Methylation levels decrease significantly just upstream of the transcription start site and around transcription termination sites; its levels in the promoter are inversely correlated with the expression of some genes in plants. Methylation can be altered by different environmental stimuli such as pathogens and abiotic stresses. It is likely that methylation existed in the common eukaryotic ancestor before fungi, plants and animals diverged during evolution. In summary, DNA methylation patterns in angiosperms are complex, dynamic, and an integral part of genome diversity after millions of years of evolution.

【 授权许可】

Unknown