REM transcription factors and GDE1 shape the DNA methylation landscape through the recruitment of RNA polymerase IV transcription complexes
Journal
Nature Cell Biology
Journal Volume
27
Journal Issue
7
Start Page
1136
End Page
1147
ISSN
1465-7392
1476-4679
Date Issued
2025-06-27
Author(s)
Wu, Zhongshou
Xue, Yan
Wang, Shuya
Shih, Yuan-Hsin
Zhong, Zhenhui
Feng, Suhua
Draper, Jonathan
Lu, Allen
Hoeke, Carsten A.
Sha, Jihui
Li, Lu
Wohlschlegel, James
Jacobsen, Steven E.
Abstract
In plants, the maintenance of DNA methylation is controlled by several self-reinforcing loops involving histone methylation and non-coding RNAs. However, how methylation is initially patterned at specific genomic loci is largely unknown. Here we describe four Arabidopsis REM transcription factors, VDD, VAL, REM12 and REM13, that recognize specific sequence regions and, together with the protein GENETICS DETERMINES EPIGENETICS1 (GDE1), recruit RNA polymerase IV transcription complexes. This targeted recruitment leads to the production of 24-nucleotide small interfering RNAs that guide DNA methylation to specific genomic sites in plant female reproductive tissues. In the absence of GDE1, polymerase IV transcription complexes are directed to loci bound by an alternative transcription factor, REM8, highlighting the role of REM transcription factors and GDE1 proteins as positional cues for epigenetic modulation. These findings establish a direct connection between sequence-specific transcription factors and the spatial regulation of siRNA production and DNA methylation, offering new insights into the genetic control of epigenetic patterning.
SDGs
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Type
journal article