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Active DNA demethylation: mechanism and role in plant development
Yan Li1,2, Suresh Kumar3, Weiqiang Qian4
1State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
Abstract:
Active DNA demethylation (enzymatic removal of methylated cytosine) regulates many plant developmental processes. In Arabidopsis, active DNA demethylation entails the base excision repair pathway initiated by the Repressor of silencing 1/Demeter family of bifunctional DNA glycosylases. In this review, we first present an introduction to the recent advances in our understanding about the mechanisms of active DNA demethylation. We then focus on the role of active DNA demethylation in diverse developmental processes in various plant species, including the regulation of seed development, pollen tube formation, stomatal development, fruit ripening, and nodule development. Finally, we discuss future directions of research in the area of active DNA demethylation.