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Replicating satellite RNA induces sequence-specific DNA methylation and truncated transcripts in plants
M B Wang1, S V Wesley, E J Finnegan
1CSIRO Plant Industry Canberra, ACT, Australia. m.wang@pi.csiro.au
RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Satellite RNA replication in tobacco plants triggers DNA methylation within the transgene. This methylation spreads, even to uninfected cells, suggesting RNA molecules mediate the process.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Epigenetics
- Virology
Background:
- Satellite RNA (satRNA) can influence host gene expression and replication.
- DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression in plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of high-level satRNA replication on DNA methylation in transgenic plants.
- To explore the relationship between satRNA replication, RNA truncation, and DNA methylation patterns.
Main Methods:
- Transformation of tobacco plants with a GUS:Sat transgene.
- Infection with potato leafroll luteovirus (PLRV) to induce satRNA replication.
- Analysis of DNA methylation using sequencing.
- Quantification of truncated GUS:Sat RNA.
Main Results:
- High-level satRNA replication led to dense methylation of the satellite DNA sequence.
- RNA truncation occurred independently of DNA methylation levels.
- Sequence-specific DNA methylation spread to non-replicating cells, associated with small RNAs.
Conclusions:
- High satRNA replication induces sequence-specific DNA hypermethylation.
- RNA truncation is likely not caused by DNA methylation.
- Unamplified satRNA and/or associated small RNAs may mediate the spread of DNA methylation.