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Updated: May 11, 2026
08:05
Efficient and Rapid Isolation of Early-stage Embryos from Arabidopsis thaliana Seeds
Published on: June 7, 2013
Imprinting in plants and its underlying mechanisms
Hongyu Zhang1, Abed Chaudhury, Xianjun Wu
1Rice Research Institute of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
Journal of Genetics and Genomics = Yi Chuan Xue Bao
|May 28, 2013
Summary
Genomic imprinting, an epigenetic process, regulates gene expression based on parental origin in plants. DNA demethylation by DEMETER (DME) and Polycomb group proteins are key mechanisms in endosperm development.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Plant biology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon where gene expression depends on parental origin, independently evolved in mammals and plants.
- In flowering plants, imprinting primarily occurs in the endosperm, a tissue crucial for seed development.
- Genome-wide studies have identified numerous imprinted genes in plant endosperm, indicating diverse regulatory roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of genomic imprinting in flowering plants.
- To investigate the roles of specific epigenetic factors like DEMETER (DME) and Polycomb group (PcG) proteins in imprinting.
- To understand how epigenetic reprogramming contributes to differential gene expression between parental genomes in the endosperm.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide surveys to identify imprinted genes in plant endosperm.
- Analysis of DNA methylation patterns mediated by DEMETER (DME).
- Investigation of histone modifications involving Polycomb group (PcG) proteins.
Main Results:
- Hundreds of imprinted genes were identified in Arabidopsis, rice, and maize endosperm, involved in diverse functions.
- DEMETER (DME) mediates maternal hypomethylation in the central cell, leading to differential methylation and imprinted gene expression in the endosperm.
- Imprinted gene expression shows limited conservation between Arabidopsis and monocots, suggesting rapid evolution during speciation.
Conclusions:
- Genomic imprinting in plants involves complex epigenetic reprogramming in central and vegetative cells.
- DEMETER (DME) and PcG proteins play critical roles in establishing and maintaining imprinting patterns.
- The rapid evolution of imprinting suggests adaptation to different selective pressures during plant speciation.
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