ERCC1/XPF Protects Short Telomeres from Homologous Recombination in Arabidopsis thaliana
2009

ERCC1/XPF Protects Short Telomeres from Homologous Recombination in Arabidopsis thaliana

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Vannier Jean-Baptiste, Depeiges Annie, White Charles, Gallego Maria Eugenia

Primary Institution: Génétique, Reproduction et Développement, UMR CNRS 6247, Clermont Université, INSERM U931, Aubière, France

Hypothesis

What role do ERCC1 and XPF play in telomere function and chromosome stability in Arabidopsis thaliana?

Conclusion

ERCC1/XPF protects short telomeres from homologous recombination, preventing chromosomal instability in Arabidopsis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Arabidopsis plants lacking ERCC1 or XPF develop normally but show increased chromosomal instability without telomerase.
  • Mutations in ERCC1/XPF lead to earlier onset of developmental defects in telomerase-deficient plants.
  • FISH analyses reveal that double mutants exhibit higher frequencies of chromosome bridges.

Takeaway

This study shows that certain proteins help keep the ends of chromosomes safe, which is important for the plant's health.

Methodology

The study involved generating double mutant Arabidopsis lines and analyzing their growth and developmental phenotypes across generations.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on Arabidopsis and may not directly apply to other organisms.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1000380

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