Heat-induced release of epigenetic silencing reveals the concealed role of an imprinted plant gene.

ABSTRACT: Epigenetic mechanisms suppress the transcription of transposons and DNA repeats; however, this suppression can be transiently released under prolonged heat stress. Here we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana imprinted gene SDC, which is silent during vegetative growth due to DNA methylation, is activated by heat and contributes to recovery from stress. SDC activation seems to involve epigenetic mechanisms but not canonical heat-shock perception and signaling. The heat-mediated transcriptional induction of SDC occurs particularly in young developing leaves and is proportional to the level of stress. However, this occurs only above a certain window of absolute temperatures and, thus, resembles a thermal-sensing mechanism. In addition, the re-silencing kinetics during recovery can be entrained

SUBMITTER: Sanchez DH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4238952 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature