biostudies-literatureMartinho CRCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Councile2112240119https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9060480biostudies-literatureUnknown119(13)SignificanceParamutation involves the transfer of a repressive epigenetic mark between silent and active alleles. It is best known from exceptional non-Mendelian inheritance of conspicuous phenotypes in maize but also in other plants and animals. Recent genomic studies, however, indicate that paramutation may be less exceptional. It may be a consequence of wide-cross hybridization and may contribute to quantitative trait variation or unstable phenotypes in crops. Using the <i>sulfurea</i> (<i>sulf</i>) locus in tomato, we demonstrate that a self-reinforcing feedback loop involving DNA- and histone-methyl transferases CHROMOMETHYLTRANSFERASE3 (CMT3) and KRYPTONITE (KYP) is required for paramutation of <i>sulf</i> and that there is a change in chromatin organization. These findings advance tProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of AmericaCHROMOMETHYLTRANSFERASE3/KRYPTONITE maintains the <i>sulfurea</i> paramutation in <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>.PMC9060480PDAG/387Buddle SGhigi AYarur AGouil QMuller SStam MBarbour FLiu CMartinho CWang ZBaulcombe DCfalseCHROMOMETHYLTRANSFERASE3/KRYPTONITE maintains the <i>sulfurea</i> paramutation in <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>.SignificanceParamutation involves the transfer of a repressive epigenetic mark between silent and active alleles. It is best known from exceptional non-Mendelian inheritance of conspicuous phenotypes in maize but also in other plants and animals. Recent genomic studies, however, indicate that paramutation may be less exceptional. It may be a consequence of wide-cross hybridization and may contribute to quantitative trait variation or unstable phenotypes in crops. Using the <i>sulfurea</i> (<i>sulf</i>) locus in tomato, we demonstrate that a self-reinforcing feedback loop involving DNA- and histone-methyl transferases CHROMOMETHYLTRANSFERASE3 (CMT3) and KRYPTONITE (KYP) is required for paramutation of <i>sulf</i> and that there is a change in chromatin organization. These findings advance t2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Mar2025-04-04T21:33:27.715Z2025-02-19T03:27:47.776ZS-EPMC90604803532432910.1073/pnas.2112240119