Targeted 3' processing of antisense transcripts triggers Arabidopsis FLC chromatin silencing

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish
JournalScience (New York, N.Y.)
Volume327
Issue number5961
Pages (from-to)94-7
Number of pages4
ISSN0036-8075
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • 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

ID: 183164664