RNA-directed transcriptional gene silencing in plants can be inherited independently of the RNA trigger and requires Met1 for maintenance

摘要: Abstract Background: The association between DNA methylation and gene silencing has long been recognized; however, signals that initiate de novo are largely unknown. In plants, recognition of RNAs inducers posttranscriptional (PTGS) can result in sequence-specific methylation, the aim this work was to investigate whether heritable epigenetic changes occur by mechanism if Met1 methyltransferase is required. Results: RNA-directed (RdDM) initiated 35S-GFP transgenic plants following infection with plant RNA viruses modified carry portions either 35S promoter or GFP coding region. Targeting sequence resulted both transcriptional (TGS) inherited independently trigger. region also methylation; not inherited. Expression suppressed order its role initiation maintenance RdDM. Initiation RdDM found be Met1-independent, whereas TGS subsequent generations absence trigger Met1-dependent. Maintenance associated systemic PTGS Met1-independent. Conclusions: RNA-triggered events lead expression, it possible other phenomena such as trans -silencing paramutation may have an component.