Genetic evidence that DNA methyltransferase DRM2 has a direct catalytic role in RNA-directed DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana

Genetics. 2011 Mar;187(3):977-9. doi: 10.1534/genetics.110.125401. Epub 2011 Jan 6.

Abstract

RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is a small RNA-mediated epigenetic modification in plants. We report here the identification of DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE 2 (DRM2) in a forward screen for mutants defective in RdDM in Arabidopsis thaliana. The finding of a mutation in the presumptive active site argues in favor of direct catalytic activity for DRM2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation / genetics*
  • Methyltransferases / genetics*
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Point Mutation
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • RNA
  • Methyltransferases
  • DRM2 protein, Arabidopsis