Paramutation at the Pl1-CML52 haplotype
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Date
2023-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Paramutation involves meiotically heritable changes in gene regulation that do not follow simple dominant-recessive, Mendelian genetics. In Zea mays (maize), this process is exhibited among specific alleles of the pl1 (purple plant 1) gene, which encodes a transcription factor that regulates synthesis of anthocyanins. As an example, the Pl1-Rhoades (Pl1-Rh) allele can exist in different epigenetic states reflected by visible pigments. In the reference state (Pl-Rh), dark purple anther color is observed due to the formation of anthocyanins. In the transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally repressed state (Pl′), yellow anther color is observed, and anthocyanins are not produced. As a clear example of paramutation, the Pl-Rh state is invariable converted to Pl′ state in Pl-Rh / Pl′ heterozygotes with the presence of the Pl′ state and is meiotically inherited at Pl′ to future generations. A key regulatory feature of the paramutation behavior involves a set of tandem repeats found downstream of the Pl1-Rhoades gene model.
Among 24 founder lines of a nested association mapping population, CML52 strain is the only one harboring a pl allele where paramutation also occurs. In the Pl1-Rhoades haplotype, only one copy of the pl1 gene is present. However, in the Pl1-CML52 haplotype of maize there are two copies of the pl1 gene, denoted Pl1-CML52a and Pl1-CML52b. Given the structural similarities and difference between the Pl1-Rhaodes and Pl1-CML52 haplotypes it was investigated whether one or both of Pl1-CML52 genes were subjected to silencing in the presence of Pl′. Also, it was investigated whether molecular differences in cytosine methylation at putative regulatory features were associated with this particular example of paramutation.
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Keywords
Paramutation, Maize