The histone H3 variant H3.3 regulates gene body DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gene bodies of vertebrates and flowering plants are occupied by the histone variant H3.3 and DNA methylation. The origin and significance of these profiles remain largely unknown. DNA methylation and H3.3 enrichment profiles over gene bodies are correlated and both have a similar dependence on gene transcription levels. This suggests a mechanistic link between H3.3 and gene body methylation.

Results

We engineered an H3.3 knockdown in Arabidopsis thaliana and observed transcription reduction that predominantly affects genes responsive to environmental cues. When H3.3 levels are reduced, gene bodies show a loss of DNA methylation correlated with transcription levels. To study the origin of changes in DNA methylation profiles when H3.3 levels are reduced, we examined

SUBMITTER: Wollmann H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5437678 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature