Arabidopsis small RNAs associated with RDR6-dependent RNA-directed DNA Methylation
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ABSTRACT: Background: The majority of plant transposable elements (TEs) are found in a silenced state that is epigenetically propagated by the maintenance of symmetrical DNA methylation. TE methylation is established and reinforced by a mechanism of RNA-dependent DNA methylation, which is dependent on transcription of the PolIV RNA polymerase. Recently, a pathway has been described that initiates de novo DNA methylation dependent on components of the RNAi post-transcriptional silencing pathway, independent of PolIV. To define the function of this new pathway, we have focused on the RDR6 protein, which plays a central role in the pathway we refer to as RDR6-dependent RNA-directed DNA Methylation (RDR6-RdDM). Methods: We have sequenced total small RNAs from wild-type and three mutant genotypes: ddm1, ddm1/rdr6, and rdr6. Conclusions: We demonstrate that RDR6-RdDM utilizes 21 and 22 nucleotide siRNAs to de novo methylate actively transcribing TEs. In addition, we find that the RDR6-RdDM pathway functions in the efficient initiation and re-establishment of TE transcriptional silencing, while it is not necessary to maintain trans-generational epigenetic silencing.
ORGANISM(S): Arabidopsis thaliana
PROVIDER: GSE41755 | GEO | 2013/04/11
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA178113
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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