Abstract
Noncoding RNA is emerging as an important regulator of gene expression in many organisms. We are characterizing RNA-mediated chromatin silencing of the Arabidopsis major floral repressor gene, FLC. Through suppressor mutagenesis, we identify a requirement for CstF64 and CstF77, two conserved RNA 3'-end-processing factors, in FLC silencing. However, FLC sense transcript 3' processing is not affected in the mutants. Instead, CstF64 and CstF77 are required for 3' processing of FLC antisense transcripts. A specific RNA-binding protein directs their activity to a proximal antisense polyadenylation site. This targeted processing triggers localized histone demethylase activity and results in reduced FLC sense transcription. Targeted 3' processing of antisense transcripts may be a common mechanism triggering transcriptional silencing of the corresponding sense gene.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Science (New York, N.Y.) |
| Volume | 327 |
| Issue number | 5961 |
| Pages (from-to) | 94-7 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISSN | 0036-8075 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Arabidopsis
- Arabidopsis Proteins
- Chromatin
- Cleavage Stimulation Factor
- Epistasis, Genetic
- Flowers
- Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
- Gene Silencing
- Histone Deacetylases
- MADS Domain Proteins
- Models, Genetic
- Polyadenylation
- RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
- RNA, Antisense
- RNA, Plant
- RNA-Binding Proteins
- Suppression, Genetic
- Transcription, Genetic
- mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors
- Journal Article
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't