Author:
Zhong Zhenhui,Xue Yan,Harris C. Jake,Wang Ming,Li Zheng,Ke Yunqing,Liu Mukun,Zhou Jessica,Jami-Alahmadi Yasaman,Feng Suhua,Wohlschlegel James A.,Jacobsen Steven E.
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The microrchidia (MORC) proteins are a family of evolutionarily conserved GHKL-type ATPases involved in chromatin compaction and gene silencing. Arabidopsis MORC proteins act in the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, where they act as molecular tethers to ensure the efficient establishment of RdDM and de novo gene silencing. However, MORC proteins also have RdDM-independent functions although their underlying mechanisms are unknown.
Results
In this study, we examine MORC binding regions where RdDM does not occur in order to shed light on the RdDM-independent functions of MORC proteins. We find that MORC proteins compact chromatin and reduce DNA accessibility to transcription factors, thereby repressing gene expression. We also find that MORC-mediated repression of gene expression is particularly important under conditions of stress. MORC-regulated transcription factors can in some cases regulate their own transcription, resulting in feedback loops.
Conclusions
Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of MORC-mediated chromatin compaction and transcription regulation.
Funder
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
W. M. Keck Foundation
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Cited by
4 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献