Abstract
RNA editing is the post-transcriptional conversion from C to U before translation, providing a unique feature in the regulation of gene expression. Here, we used a robust and efficient method based on RNA-seq from non-ribosomal total RNA to simultaneously measure chloroplast-gene expression and RNA editing efficiency in the Greater Duckweed, Spirodela polyrhiza, a species that provides a new reference for the phylogenetic studies of monocotyledonous plants. We identified 66 editing sites at the genome-wide level, with an average editing efficiency of 76%. We found that the expression levels of chloroplast genes were relatively constant, but 11 RNA editing sites show significant changes in editing efficiency, when fronds turn into turions. Thus, RNA editing efficiency contributes more to the yield of translatable transcripts than steady state mRNA levels. Comparison of RNA editing sites in coconut, Spirodela, maize, and rice suggests that RNA editing originated from a common ancestor.
Highlights
RNA editing in angiosperms mainly defines the process that alters a cytosine (C) to uracil (U) in specific positions of RNA so that the sequence in the mature RNA differs from that of genomic DNA
When the spinach psbF was introduced into tobacco plastids, the lack of RNA editing led to a defective phenotype, indicating that RNA editing is site-specific [2]
RNA editing yields the conversion of cytosine (C) to uracil (U) nucleotides of mRNA transcripts
Summary
RNA editing in angiosperms mainly defines the process that alters a cytosine (C) to uracil (U) in specific positions of RNA so that the sequence in the mature RNA differs from that of genomic DNA. RNA editing is a mechanism that corrects missense mutations of genes at the RNA level. It thereby restores conserved amino acid residues to maintain essential functions of encoded proteins [1]. PsbF mRNA is edited in spinach plastids by a C to U conversion, changing a serine to a conserved phenylalanine codon. A phenylalanine codon is present at the DNA level without any editing. When the spinach psbF was introduced into tobacco plastids, the lack of RNA editing led to a defective phenotype, indicating that RNA editing is site-specific [2]. Introduction of the tobacco chloroplast genome into Atropa belladonna, demonstrates that the belladonna nuclear genome is unable to edit the tobacco
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
