Project description:RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) in plants is a well-characterized example of RNA interference-related transcriptional gene silencing. To determine the relationships between RdDM and heterochromatin in the repeat-rich maize (Zea mays) genome, we performed whole-genome analyses of several heterochromatic features: dimethylation of lysine 9 and lysine 27 (H3K9me2 and H3K27me2), chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, and small RNAs; we also analyzed two mutants that affect these processes, mediator of paramutation1 and zea methyltransferase2.
Project description:The differentiation of specialized feeding sites in Zea mays root cells in response to nematode infestation involves substantial cellular reprogramming of host cells that is not well characterized at the molecular level. Expression data was generated from Zea mays root cells undergoing giant cell formation due to nematode infestation and from non-infested control root cells. Cells were laser captured 14 and 21 days after infestation.
