Profiling of RNA ribose methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

Abstract Eukaryotic rRNAs and snRNAs are decorated with abundant 2′-O-methylated nucleotides (Nm) that are predominantly synthesized by box C/D snoRNA-guided enzymes. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, C/D snoRNAs have been well categorized, but there is a lack of systematic mapping of Nm. Here, we applied RiboMeth-seq to profile Nm in cytoplasmic, chloroplast and mitochondrial rRNAs and snRNAs. We identified 111 Nm in cytoplasmic rRNAs and 19 Nm in snRNAs and assigned guide for majority of the detected sites using an updated snoRNA list. At least four sites are directed by guides with multiple specificities as shown in yeast. We found that C/D snoRNAs frequently form extra pairs with nearby sequences of methylation sites, potentially facilitating the substrate binding. Chloroplast and mitochondrial rRNAs contain five almost identical methylation sites, including two novel sites mediating ribosomal subunit joining. Deletion of FIB1 or FIB2 gene reduced the accumulation of C/D snoRNA and rRNA methylation with FIB1 playing a bigger role in methylation. Our data reveal the comprehensive 2′-O-methylation maps for Arabidopsis rRNAs and snRNAs and would facilitate study of their function and biosynthesis.