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The FLC Locus: A Platform for Discoveries in Epigenetics and Adaptation
Charles Whittaker1, Caroline Dean1
1John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom;
Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology
|July 12, 2017
Summary
Molecular mechanisms of plant adaptation are poorly understood. Studies on Arabidopsis thaliana FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) reveal how epigenetic silencing and noncoding polymorphisms regulate vernalization, providing insights into adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Epigenetics
- Evolutionary adaptation
Background:
- Understanding molecular mechanisms of adaptation is limited.
- FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) in Arabidopsis thaliana is a key gene for overwintering and vernalization.
- FLC regulation offers insights into life history variation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular insights into vernalization pathways regulating FLC.
- To explore how these mechanisms explain adaptation diversity in natural populations.
- To highlight the role of noncoding polymorphisms in FLC regulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms of vernalization pathways.
- Investigating antisense-mediated chromatin silencing of FLC.
- Dissecting genetic diversity in natural Arabidopsis thaliana populations.
Main Results:
- Vernalization pathways involve antisense-mediated chromatin silencing of FLC.
- Noncoding polymorphisms at FLC cause changes in cotranscriptional regulation and epigenetic silencing.
- Diversity in vernalization across natural populations is linked to FLC polymorphisms.
Conclusions:
- FLC serves as a model for understanding noncoding transcription and chromatin regulation.
- These regulatory mechanisms influence gene expression and underpin adaptation.
- Epigenetic regulation of FLC by noncoding variants is crucial for plant adaptation.
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