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Updated: Mar 10, 2026
11:09
An Easy Method for Plant Polysome Profiling
Published on: August 28, 2016
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Extensive translational regulation during seed germination revealed by polysomal profiling
Bing Bai1,2, Alessia Peviani3, Sjors van der Horst2,3
1Department of Molecular Plant Physiology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
The New Phytologist
|December 10, 2016
Summary
Seed germination involves significant translational regulation, with thousands of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) changing occupancy during hydration and germination phases. Specific sequence features control these dynamic gene expression shifts.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Seed germination is a critical developmental process.
- Gene expression regulation is crucial for successful germination.
- Translational control represents a significant layer of gene regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and mechanisms of translational regulation during Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination.
- To identify sequence features and cis-regulatory elements involved in translational control during germination.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide profiling of total and polysome-associated messenger RNA (mRNA).
- Analysis of polysome occupancy changes across thousands of individual mRNAs.
- Correlation of translational regulation with sequence features like upstream open reading frames, transcript length, and mRNA stability.
Main Results:
- Extensive translational regulation occurs during seed germination, affecting thousands of mRNAs.
- Translational changes are concentrated in two distinct phases: seed hydration and germination.
- Sequence features and cis elements correlate with translational control, differing between the two phases, suggesting independent regulatory mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Seed germination exhibits substantial translational dynamics.
- Development-dependent sequence features and cis elements control translation during germination.
- This study uncovers a novel layer of gene regulation in seed germination.
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