Major alleles of CDCA7 shape CG methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

ABSTRACT: DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mark that impacts gene expression and represses transposable elements in eukaryotes. Numerous examples of cis elements targeted by DNA methylation, particularly at CG sites (mCG), have been reported to be under selective pressure in animals and plants. By contrast, there is limited knowledge of trans regulators of mCG leading to adaptation. Here, a genome-wide association study identifies CELL DIVISION CYCLE-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 7 (CDCA7) as a major trans determinant of mCG in natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana. CDCA7 or its paralogue physically binds the chromatin remodeller DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1), which facilitates access of methyltransferases to DNA. Epigenomic analysis shows that while CDCA7 proteins control all DDM1-dependent pr

SUBMITTER: Bourguet P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12711577 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature