Epigenetic Modifications of mRNA and DNA in Plants

Zhe Liang; Adeel Riaz; Sadaruddin Chachar; Yike Ding; Hai Du; Xiaofeng Gu

doi:10.1016/j.molp.2019.12.007

Epigenetic Modifications of mRNA and DNA in Plants

Mol Plant. 2020 Jan 6;13(1):14-30. doi: 10.1016/j.molp.2019.12.007. Epub 2019 Dec 18.

Authors

Zhe Liang¹, Adeel Riaz², Sadaruddin Chachar², Yike Ding³, Hai Du⁴, Xiaofeng Gu⁵

Affiliations

¹ Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
² Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
³ Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
⁴ College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
⁵ Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China. Electronic address: guxiaofeng@caas.cn.

PMID: 31863849
DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2019.12.007

Abstract

Advances in the detection and mapping of messenger RNA (mRNA) N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) and 5-methylcytosine (m⁵C), and DNA N⁶-methyldeoxyadenosine (6mA) redefined our understanding of these modifications as additional tiers of epigenetic regulation. In plants, the most prevalent internal mRNA modifications, m⁶A and m⁵C, play crucial and dynamic roles in many processes, including embryo development, stem cell fate determination, trichome branching, leaf morphogenesis, floral transition, stress responses, fruit ripening, and root development. The newly identified and widespread epigenetic marker 6mA DNA methylation is associated with gene expression, plant development, and stress responses. Here, we review the latest research progress on mRNA and DNA epigenetic modifications, including the detection, dynamics, distribution, functions, regulatory proteins, and evolution, with a focus on m⁶A, m⁵C, and 6mA. We also provide some perspectives on future research of the newly identified and unknown epigenetic modifications of mRNA and DNA in plants.

Keywords: 6mA; DNA methylation; RNA modification; epigenetics; m(5)C; m(6)A.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

5-Methylcytosine / chemistry
Adenosine / analogs & derivatives
Adenosine / chemistry
DNA Methylation
Epigenesis, Genetic*
Plants / chemistry
Plants / genetics*
RNA, Messenger / chemistry
RNA, Messenger / genetics*

Substances

RNA, Messenger
5-Methylcytosine
N-methyladenosine
Adenosine