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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
09:23
Determination of DNA Methylation of Imprinted Genes in Arabidopsis Endosperm
Published on: January 28, 2011
DNA methylation reprogramming during plant sexual reproduction?
Pauline E Jullien1, Frédéric Berger
1Temasek Lifescience Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 117604 Singapore.
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Epigenetic memory, including DNA methylation, is crucial for cell fate. In plants, DNA methylation is reset during early embryo development through active and passive demethylation and remethylation processes.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Chromatin modifications like DNA methylation establish cell fate and epigenetic memory.
- Inheritance of chromatin states across cell divisions (mitotic) and generations (meiotic) is known.
- Resetting cell-fate-instructive chromatin states between generations is necessary but controversial in plants, unlike mammals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a model for the reprogramming of DNA methylation during plant reproduction.
- To investigate the mechanisms of epigenetic memory resetting in plants.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent reports on DNA methylation dynamics in plants.
- Analysis of evidence supporting trans-generational inheritance of DNA methylation.
- Hypothesizing interplay between active/passive demethylation and de novo methylation.
Main Results:
- DNA demethylation occurs during female gametogenesis in plants.
- DNA remethylation follows during early embryo development.
- Reprogramming involves both DNA demethylation and de novo DNA methylation.
Conclusions:
- Plant DNA methylation is reset during early embryogenesis, reconciling epigenetic memory with generational clearance.
- Active and passive mechanisms contribute to the dynamic regulation of DNA methylation.
- This reprogramming ensures proper development and prevents uncontrolled epigenetic inheritance.
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