Project description:DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification regulating genome organization, stability, and gene expression. Stable DNA methylation critically relies on methyl groups provided through folate-mediated one-carbon (C1) metabolism, yet the origin and regulation of C1 supply remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that photorespiration serves as a major C1 source for DNA methylation in Arabidopsis. We show that C1 from formate, a photorespiratory byproduct, is incorporated into 5-methyl-cytosine via the reductive cytosolic folate pathway. This occurs predominantly during the day, negatively regulating serine utilization as alternative C1 source. Consequently, suppression of photorespiration under elevated CO₂ levels alters the DNA methylation landscape, an effect exacerbated when regulation of C1 metabolism by the formate-dependent pathway is impaired. Thus, our findings link the fundamental metabolic process of photorespiration to epigenetic stability, highlighting how rising atmospheric CO₂ levels can induce DNA methylation changes.
Project description:In this study we profiled the complete repertoire of 2'-O-methylation sites present in the rRNA and a subset of small RNAs of Leishmania major rRNA using RibOxi-seq.
Project description:Chromatin states must be stably maintained during cell proliferation to uphold cellular identity and genome integrity. Inheritance of histone modifications across cell division is thought to be central in this process. However, the histone modification landscape is challenged by the incorporation of new unmodified histones during each cell cycle and the principles that govern heritability remain poorly defined. Here, we take a quantitative approach and develop a reusable computational model that describes propagation of K27 and K36 methylation states. We measure combinatorial K27 and K36 methylation patterns by quantitative mass spectrometry on subsequent generations of histones in the presence and absence of enzymatic inhibition. Our modelling rejects active global demethylation and invoke the existence of 8 domains defined by distinct methylation endpoints. We find that K27me3 on pre- existing histones stimulates the rate of de novo K27me3 establishment, supporting a read-write mechanism in timely chromatin restoration. Finally, we provide a detailed, quantitative picture of the mutual antagonism between K27 and K37 methylation, and propose that this antagonism enhance the stability of epigenetic states across cell division.