title: Non-coding RNA transcription and RNA-directed DNA methylation in Arabidopsis.
abstract: RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is responsible for transcriptional silencing of endogenous transposable elements and introduced transgenes. This process requires non-coding RNAs produced by DNA-dependent RNA polymerases IV and V (Pol IV and Pol V). Pol IV-produced non-coding RNAs are precursors of 24-nt small interfering RNAs, whereas Pol V-produced ncRNAs directly act as scaffold RNAs. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of RdDM. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms underlying the recruitment of Pol IV and Pol V to chromatin and the targeting of RdDM.
authors: National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China. Electronic address: hexinjian@nibs.ac.cn.
authors: Xin-Jian
authors: XJ
authors: He
authors: National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China.
authors: Ze-Yang
authors: ZY
authors: Ma
authors: National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China.
authors: Zhang-Wei
authors: ZW
authors: Liu
mesh_terms: D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D022661:RNA, Untranslated; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
keywords: DNA methylation; Pol IV; Pol V; RdDM; siRNA; transcriptional gene silencing.