Two-step recruitment of RNA-directed DNA methylation to tandem repeats
2006
Two-Step Recruitment of RNA-Directed DNA Methylation to Tandem Repeats
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Chan Simon W.-L, Zhang Xiaoyu, Bernatavichute Yana V, Jacobsen Steven E
Primary Institution: University of California Los Angeles
Hypothesis
Can tandem repeat sequences trigger RNA-directed DNA methylation in Arabidopsis?
Conclusion
Tandem repeats are necessary for RNA-directed DNA methylation, which occurs in two steps involving siRNA production and subsequent DNA methylation.
Supporting Evidence
- Tandem repeats in the FWA gene are necessary for de novo DNA methylation.
- Transformed FWA can silence the unmethylated endogenous fwa gene.
- RNA-directed DNA methylation occurs in two steps: siRNA production followed by DNA methylation.
Takeaway
This study shows that certain repeated DNA sequences in plants help silence genes by attracting special proteins that add chemical tags to the DNA.
Methodology
The study involved transforming Arabidopsis plants with a transgene containing tandem repeats and analyzing the resulting DNA methylation and gene expression.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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