Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
09:42
Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
Published on: September 7, 2017
10.3K
Non-canonical RNA-directed DNA methylation.
Diego Cuerda-Gil1, R Keith Slotkin1,2
1Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, 500 Aronoff Laboratory, 318 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Nature Plants
|November 4, 2016
Summary
Small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) involves canonical and non-canonical pathways. This review explores diverse non-canonical RdDM mechanisms initiating epigenetic silencing and highlights key research questions.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Epigenetics
- Genetics
Background:
- The canonical small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway in plants is well-understood.
- Canonical RdDM models fail to explain the initiation of this epigenetic silencing mechanism.
- Epigenetic silencing is crucial for regulating gene expression and maintaining genome stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and illustrate the diversity of non-canonical RdDM pathways.
- To identify common themes among different non-canonical RdDM mechanisms.
- To highlight unanswered questions in the field of non-canonical RdDM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent investigations into epigenetic silencing.
- Analysis of distinct mechanisms employed by non-canonical RdDM pathways.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on chromatin modification through RdDM.
Main Results:
- Several distinct non-canonical RdDM pathways initiate epigenetic silencing.
- These pathways utilize varied mechanisms to modify chromatin.
- Common themes are emerging across these diverse pathways.
Conclusions:
- Non-canonical RdDM pathways represent a crucial, yet under-explored, aspect of epigenetic regulation.
- Understanding these pathways is key to fully elucidating the initiation of epigenetic silencing.
- Further research is needed to address remaining questions regarding non-canonical RdDM.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
4.1K
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...
X-chromosome...
4.1K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
34.1K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.1K
01:20Types of RNA
10.2K
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...
RNA Performs Diverse...
10.2K
01:23Types of RNA
73.6K
Overview
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 the regulation of 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...
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 the regulation of 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...
73.6K
02:23RNA Editing
10.1K
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...
10.1K
01:53RNA Stability
36.1K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
36.1K