Non-canonical RNA-directed DNA methylation.
Small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) has been extensively studied in plants, resulting in a deep understanding of a major 'canonical RdDM' mechanism. However, current models of canonical RdDM cannot explain how this self-perpetuating mechanism is initiated. Recent investigations into the initiation of epigenetic silencing have determined that there are several alternative 'non-canonical RdDM' pathways that function through distinct mechanisms to modify chromatin. This Review aims to illustrate the diversity of non-canonical RdDM mechanisms described to date, recognize common themes within this dizzying array of interconnected pathways, and identify the key unanswered questions remaining in this field.
Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, 500 Aronoff Laboratory, 318 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Diego
D
Cuerda-Gil
Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, 500 Aronoff Laboratory, 318 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.|Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, 105 Biological Sciences Building, 484 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
R Keith
RK
Slotkin
D019175:DNA Methylation; D018744:DNA, Plant / Q000378:metabolism*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D020868:Gene Silencing; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics*; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D018744:DNA, Plant; D018749:RNA, Plant