Project description:To identify genomic targets involved in the EML-dependent control of seed development, we performed ChIP-chip using whole genome Arabidopsis tiling arrays from p35S::EML1-GFP seedlings using GFP antibodies. The analysis showed that EML1 displayed preferential binding to transposable elements (TEs), while showing no preference for protein coding genes.
Project description:The diversity of small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms have been underestimated due to the nearly complete transcriptional silencing of transposable elements (TEs) in the wt Col ecotype of Arabidopsis thaliana. In plants mutant for the SWI/SNF2 histone remodeler DDM1, TEs are globally activated due to loss of genome wide heterochromatin condensation. Activated TEs go through additional non-canonical forms of RdDM. However, the global targets of the non-canonical RdDM pathway are unidentified. In an attempt to identify and contrast the targets of canonical and non-canonical RdDM, we sequenced small RNAs from several RdDM mutants in either the TE-silent or the TE-active (ddm1) contexts.
Project description:To investigate the impact of disruption of the non-CG DNA methylation/H3K9me2 pathway upon transcription in Arabidopsis, we performed RNA-seq using meiotic-stage floral buds from wild type (Col-0) and kyp/suvh4 suvh5 suvh6 mutant plants. This enabled identification of differentially expressed genes and transposable elements (TEs). TEs that were up-regulated in kyp/suvh4 suvh5 suvh6 relative to wild type were evaluated for over-representation of elements within each TE family.
Project description:RNA silencing is a mechanism for regulating gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Its functions include regulating endogenous gene expression and protecting the cell against viruses and invading transposable elements (TEs). A key component of the mechanism is small RNAs (sRNAs) of 21-24 nucleotides (nt) in length, which direct the silencing machinery in a sequence specific manner to target nucleic acids. sRNAs of 24 nt are involved in methylation of cytosine residues of target loci in three sequence contexts (CG, CHG and CHH), referred to as RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). We previously demonstrated that 24 nt sRNAs are mobile from shoot to root in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study we demonstrated that methylation of thousands of loci in root tissues is dependent upon mobile sRNAs from the shoot. Furthermore, we found that mobile sRNA-dependent DNA methylation occurs predominantly in non-CG contexts. These findings were made using base-resolution next generation sequencing approaches and genome wide analyses. Specific classes of short TEs are the predominant targets of mobile sRNA-dependent DNA methylation; classes typically found in gene-rich euchromatic regions. Mobile sRNA-regulated genes were also identified. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that mobile sRNA-dependent non-CG methylation is largely independent of the CMT2/3 RdDM pathway but dependent upon the DRM1/DRM2 RdDM pathway. This is in contrast to non-mobile sRNA-dependent DNA methylation, which predominantly depends upon the CMT2/3 RdDM pathway. These data are complementary to the small RNA sequencing data from Arabidopsis root grafts described in Molnar et al (Science, 2010 May 14;328(5980):872-5).
Project description:Long time considered as « junk DNA », the evolutive force of transposable elements (TEs) is now well established and TEs contribute strongly to eukaryote genome plasticity. However, it is difficult to fully characterize the mobile part of a genome, or active mobilome, and tracking TE activity remains challenging. He we have applied the detection of extrachromosomal circular DNA (mobilome-seq) as a diagnostic for plant TE activity on Poplar mersitems from WT and ddm1 RNAi plants grown in normal or hydric stress conditions.
Project description:Transposable elements (TEs) are often the primary determinant of genome size differences among eukaryotes. In plants, the proliferation of TEs is countered through epigenetic silencing mechanisms that prevent transposition. Recent studies using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have revealed that methylated TE insertions are often associated with reduced expression of nearby genes, and these insertions may be subject to purifying selection due to their effect on nearby genes. Less is known about the genome-wide patterns of epigenetic silencing of TEs in other plant species. Here, we compare the 24-nt siRNA complement from Arabidopsis thaliana and a closely related congener with a two- to three-fold higher TE copy number, A. lyrata. We show that TEs, and particularly siRNA-targeted TEs, are associated with reduced gene expression within both species and also with gene expression differences between orthologs. In addition, A. lyrata TEs are targeted by a lower fraction of uniquely matching siRNAs, which are associated with more effective silencing of TE expression. Overall, our results suggest that the efficacy of RNA-directed DNA methylation silencing is lower in A. lyrata, a finding that may shed light on the causes of differential TE proliferation among species. 4 A. lyrata mRNA-seq samples
Project description:The diversity of small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms have been underestimated due to the nearly complete transcriptional silencing of transposable elements (TEs) in the wt Col ecotype of Arabidopsis thaliana. In plants mutant for the SWI/SNF2 histone remodeler DDM1, TEs are globally activated due to loss of genome wide heterochromatin condensation. Activated TEs go through additional non-canonical forms of RdDM. However, the global targets of the non-canonical RdDM pathway are unidentified. In an attempt to identify and contrast the targets of canonical and non-canonical RdDM, we sequenced small RNAs from several RdDM mutants in either the TE-silent or the TE-active (ddm1) contexts. Examination of unopened flower bud small RNAs from wild type and various single or double mutant combinations, many of which have biological replicates. Small RNA sequences from wt Col, controls and other mutants shown in the study are available at GSE41755 and GSE57191.
Project description:Background: Transposable elements (TEs) represent a substantial fraction of the genomes, playing a major role in evolution, as sources of genetic variability. To fully appraise the role of TE in the acquisition of genetic novelty in genome evolution, we must also consider the impact of their own transcriptional activity. Results: We studied impact of TE transcriptional activity on gene using high-throughput RNA-Seq sequencing in Drosophila melanogaster. TEs, which turn out to be expressed in euchromatin as well as in heterochromatin, interact with genes at different levels. The observed transcription from TEs involve canonical or non-canonical transcription start sites (TSSs) distributed along their sequence. We also find evidences for potential bidirectional transcription from the TE promoter regions where the antisense transcript is co-opted by the host genome as TSSs of a gene. We found that active TEs seem to accumulate in the 5' upstream regions of the genes, and possibly provide an alternative transcript of the nearby gene. Indeed, predominantly, the TE transcript is collinear and overlapping the gene. Apart from the 5' upstream regions, we also found that most active TEs are transcribed on the gene transcript strand. Conversely, few transcripts from TE are anti sense with respect to the gene. This suggests that they have a disruptive action and are counter-selected. The only exceptions are for TEs located into introns, where they could provide another complex way of gene regulation, and in the 3' downstream region, where other mechanisms akin to siRNAs could take place. Finally, we noted several cases where the cryptic TSS is located on TE fragments corresponding to a low complexity sequence. Frequently these TE fragments appear to be over-represented when close to genes, suggesting a possible selected role. Conclusion: Altogether, these results suggest that active transposable elements influence host gene transcription. It is likely that some features of transposable elements have been exaptated in order to enrich the genes repertoire by opening routes to sub- or neo-functionalization. Examination of the transcription produced by transposable elements in D. melanogaster
Project description:Transposable elements (TEs) are often the primary determinant of genome size differences among eukaryotes. In plants, the proliferation of TEs is countered through epigenetic silencing mechanisms that prevent transposition. Recent studies using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have revealed that methylated TE insertions are often associated with reduced expression of nearby genes, and these insertions may be subject to purifying selection due to their effect on nearby genes. Less is known about the genome-wide patterns of epigenetic silencing of TEs in other plant species. Here, we compare the 24-nt siRNA complement from Arabidopsis thaliana and a closely related congener with a two- to three-fold higher TE copy number, A. lyrata. We show that TEs, and particularly siRNA-targeted TEs, are associated with reduced gene expression within both species and also with gene expression differences between orthologs. In addition, A. lyrata TEs are targeted by a lower fraction of uniquely matching siRNAs, which are associated with more effective silencing of TE expression. Overall, our results suggest that the efficacy of RNA-directed DNA methylation silencing is lower in A. lyrata, a finding that may shed light on the causes of differential TE proliferation among species.