Abstract
Small RNAs are found in eukaryotes and are responsible for regulation of chromatin structure, RNA processing and stability, translation and transcription. 24-nt small interfering RNA (siRNA) are known to mediate gene inactivation via the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway (RdDM) and are important for natural heritable changes in plant species. DNA cytosine methylation can be maintained between generations and this may be important for accelerated adaption to stress conditions. Research is currently focused toward the epigenetic response to disease, the stability of DNA methylation over generations, the elucidation of newly discovered pathways for de novo DNA methylation, and the application of epigenetic variation to breeding programs. This review aims to give a brief but comprehensive examination on small RNAs and transgenerational epigenetic variation.
Highlights
RNA directed gene silencing has been studied since the early 1990s and is quickly becoming the hot topic of the decade
Small RNAs are found in eukaryotes and are responsible for regulation of chromatin structure, RNA processing and stability, translation and transcription. 24-nt small interfering RNA are known to mediate gene inactivation via the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway (RdDM) and are important for natural heritable changes in plant species
This review aims to give a brief but comprehensive examination on small RNAs and transgenerational epigenetic variation
Summary
RNA directed gene silencing has been studied since the early 1990s and is quickly becoming the hot topic of the decade. Evidence is building which suggests that epigenetic alterations, or epimutations, are occurring against protein-coding genes at high frequencies to enable rapid adaption of complex traits leading to genetic assimilation [2]. Plants are the best system to study epigenetic mechanisms as, unlike mammals, they are capable of transferring DNA methylation between generations and their cytosine methylation occurs at all sequence contexts [3]. This is important on the functional level because plant development, silencing of alien genes, reproductive transition, preservation of chromatin structures and evasion of homologous recombination all rely on DNA methylation
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.
