Viroid-induced DNA methylation in plants

Biomol Concepts. 2013 Dec;4(6):557-65. doi: 10.1515/bmc-2013-0030.

Abstract

In eukaryotes, DNA methylation refers to the addition of a methyl group to the fifth atom in the six-atom ring of cytosine residues. At least in plants, DNA regions that become de novo methylated can be defined by homologous RNA molecules in a process termed RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). RdDM was first discovered in viroid-infected plants. Viroids are pathogenic circular, non-coding, single-stranded RNA molecules. Members of the Pospiviroidae family replicate in the nucleus through double-stranded RNA intermediates, attracting the host RNA silencing machinery. The recruitment of this machinery results in the production of viroid-derived small RNAs (vd-sRNAs) that mediate RNA degradation and DNA methylation of cognate sequences. Here, we provide an overview of the cumulative data on the field of viroid-induced RdDM and discuss three possible scenarios concerning the mechanistic details of its establishment.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • DNA Methylation*
  • DNA, Plant / genetics
  • Plant Diseases / virology*
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / virology*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Viroids / growth & development*

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • RNA, Viral