Changes in DNA methylation and transgenerational mobilization of a transposable element (mPing) by the topoisomerase II inhibitor, etoposide, in rice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Etoposide (epipodophyllotoxin) is a chemical commonly used as an anti-cancer drug which inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking topoisomerase II activity. Previous studies in animal cells have demonstrated that etoposide constitutes a genotoxic stress which may induce genomic instability including mobilization of normally quiescent transposable elements (TEs). However, it remained unknown whether similar genetically mutagenic effects could be imposed by etoposide in plant cells. Also, no information is available with regard to whether the drug may cause a perturbation of epigenetic stability in any organism.

Results

To investigate whether etoposide could generate genetic and/or epigenetic instability in plant cells, we applied etoposide to germinating seeds of six cult

SUBMITTER: Yang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3480845 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature