Abstract
Modifications of DNA and histones, including methylation and acetylation, are critical for the epigenetic regulation of gene expression during plant development, particularly during environmental adaptation processes. However, information on the enzymes catalyzing all these modifications in trees, such as Quercus suber L., is still not available. In this study, eight DNA methyltransferases (DNA Mtases) and three DNA demethylases (DDMEs) were identified in Q. suber. Histone modifiers involved in methylation (35), demethylation (26), acetylation (8), and deacetylation (22) were also identified in Q. suber. In silico analysis showed that some Q. suber DNA Mtases, DDMEs and histone modifiers have the typical domains found in the plant model Arabidopsis, which might suggest a conserved functional role. Additional phylogenetic analyses of the DNA and histone modifier proteins were performed using several plant species homologs, enabling the classification of the Q. suber proteins. A link between the expression levels of each gene in different Q. suber tissues (buds, flowers, acorns, embryos, cork, and roots) with the functions already known for their closest homologs in other species was also established. Therefore, the data generated here will be important for future studies exploring the role of epigenetic regulators in this economically important species.
Highlights
The transcriptional activation and/or silencing of key genes is crucial for essential biological processes
De novo DNA methylation is triggered by the activation of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), in which small interfering RNAs are generated, ending with a downstream methylation targeting phase that is mediated by DRM2 [7]
QsMET1 contains the expected domains: replication foci domain RFD (PF12047), bromo adjacent homology (BAH) domain (PF01426) and DNA methyltransferase domain (PF00145) (Figure 1); a domain topology observed in the closest homologs of Arabidopsis, globe artichoke, strawberry, soybean, carrot, tomato, tobacco, pea, poplar, peach and rice [22,23,24,25,26,27,28]
Summary
The transcriptional activation and/or silencing of key genes is crucial for essential biological processes. This is achieved by the activity of transcription factors, and by DNA and histone modification enzymes that alter chromatin conformation (euchromatin or heterochromatin), in a process classically identified as epigenetic regulation. This control at the chromatin level is very dynamic and can be reversed, which means that inactive condensed regions of chromatin may be decondensed allowing for subsequent gene expression. The role of the DNMT2 family in plant DNA methylation remains unclear
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
