Tissue-specific epigenetic modifications in root apical meristem cells of Hordeum vulgare

PLoS One. 2013 Jul 31;8(7):e69204. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069204. Print 2013.

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications of chromatin structure are essential for many biological processes, including growth and reproduction. Patterns of DNA and histone modifications have recently been widely studied in many plant species, although there is virtually no data on the spatial and temporal distribution of epigenetic markers during plant development. Accordingly, we have used immunostaining techniques to investigate epigenetic modifications in the root apical meristem of Hordeum vulgare. Histone H4 acetylation (H4K5ac), histone H3 dimethylation (H3K4me2, H3K9me2) and DNA methylation (5mC) patterns were established for various root meristem tissues. Distinct levels of those modifications were visualised in the root cap, epidermis, cortex and vascular tissues. The lateral root cap cells seem to display the highest level of H3K9me2 and 5mC. In the epidermis, the highest level of 5mC and H3K9me2 was detected in the nuclei from the boundary of the proximal meristem and the elongation zone, while the vascular tissues were characterized by the highest level of H4K5ac. Some of the modified histones were also detectable in the cytoplasm in a highly tissue-specific manner. Immunolocalisation of epigenetic modifications of chromatin carried out in this way, on longitudinal or transverse sections, provides a unique topographic context within the organ, and will provide some answers to the significant biological question of tissue differentiation processes during root development in a monocotyledon plant species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Hordeum / cytology
  • Hordeum / genetics*
  • Hordeum / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Meristem / cytology
  • Meristem / genetics*
  • Meristem / metabolism
  • Methylation
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Plant Epidermis / genetics
  • Plant Epidermis / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Plant Roots / cytology
  • Plant Roots / genetics*
  • Plant Roots / metabolism
  • Plant Vascular Bundle / genetics
  • Plant Vascular Bundle / metabolism

Substances

  • Histones
  • Plant Proteins
  • Lysine

Grants and funding

The authors acknowledge financial support from the National Science Centre (grant no. 2011/01/B/NZ3/00177). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.