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Related Concept Videos

Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions01:17

Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions

Methylation is a phase II biotransformation process involving the attachment of a methyl group to a substrate. Enzymes known as methyltransferases orchestrate this reaction.
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
RNA Editing02:23

RNA Editing

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification where a precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) nucleotide sequence is changed by base insertion, deletion, or modification. The extent of RNA editing varies from a few hundred bases, in mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomes, to a just single base, in nuclear genes of mammals. Even a single base change in the pre-mRNA can convert a codon for one amino acid into the codon for another amino acid or a stop codon. This type of re-coding can significantly affect the...
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...

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Updated: May 15, 2026

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
09:42

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images

Published on: September 7, 2017

Revisiting RNA-directed DNA methylation.

Athanasios Dalakouras1, Michael Wassenegger

  • 1RLP AgroScience GmbH; AlPlanta-Institute for Plant Research; Neustadt, Germany.

RNA Biology
|January 18, 2013
PubMed
Summary

RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) uses RNA guides for DNA methylation. While small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were thought to guide this process, recent findings suggest other RNA types and targets may be involved, requiring further investigation.

Keywords:
DNA methylationDNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASEsRNA interferencedouble stranded RNAmethylC-seqplantssmall RNAs

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
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Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is a key epigenetic mechanism.
  • RdDM involves sequence-specific RNA molecules guiding de novo methylation machinery to DNA.
  • The precise nature and function of these RNA guides remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the nature of RNA molecules involved in RNA-directed DNA methylation.
  • To clarify whether guide RNAs interact directly with DNA or nascent transcripts.
  • To reconcile conflicting data regarding the role of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in RdDM.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on RNA-directed DNA methylation.
  • Analysis of recent experimental data challenging the established siRNA hypothesis.
  • Comparative analysis of different proposed models for RdDM guide RNA function.

Main Results:

  • The widely accepted "siRNA hypothesis" is questioned by recent findings.
  • RdDM is not consistently associated with the accumulation of corresponding siRNAs.
  • Potential for diverse RNA types (small or long, single or double-stranded) acting as guides.

Conclusions:

  • The identity and function of guide RNAs in RdDM require further elucidation.
  • RdDM triggers may be distinct from guide RNAs.
  • Future research should focus on the direct targets (DNA vs. nascent transcripts) and characteristics of guide RNAs.