Role of DNA methylation reprogramming in germline stress response

Project Information

MASTER

Grant agreement ID: 101033109

DOI

10.3030/101033109

Project closed

EC signature date 4 March 2021

Start date 1 April 2021

End date 31 March 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 224 933,76

EU contribution

€ 224 933,76

Coordinated by

JOHN INNES CENTRE
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MASTER (Role of DNA methylation reprogramming in germline stress response)

Reporting period: 2021-04-01 to 2023-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Although the male germline DNA methylomes and their dynamics have been well studied, how the methylation pattern was established in germ cells was elusive. Our discoveries elucidate essential methylation and regulatory mechanisms in plant germlines that mediate intergenerational heredity, and establish a novel epigenetic paradigm in how germlines perceive and respond to stress.

Our discoveries reveal a new mechanism suggesting how DNA methylation was established in male germ cells directed by its nurse cells. Above all, our works indicate how this pathway mentioned above is involved in the ambient temperature sense, uncovering a novel molecular regulation mechanism in plant germline thermotolerance, which is believed to impact the relative research field.

The overall objectives have been successfully achieved including 1) Elucidate DNA methylation reprogramming in the Arabidopsis germline, 2) Determine the role of methylation reprogramming in mediating male thermotolerance, 3) Uncover the biological functions of methylation reprogramming in the germline.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

We developed a method to isolate Arabidopsis tapetal cells and draw DNA methylation status and siRNA landscapes in meiocyte and tapetum. Our result indicates the siRNA was generated in tapetal cells and transferred to meiocyte to assist DNA methylation establishment. Additionally, we found HSP70T which is a GSMs (Germline Spefic Methylation), was regulated by tapetal origin siRNA and its methylation and transcription were sensitive and regulated by ambient temperature. Moreover, we found this kind of response pathway was mediated by RdDM. Collectively, we identified a novel thermotolerance mechanism in plant germ cells.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Our project has been completed, all the main results are represented in the final report. Our work uncovers a novel mechanism for how DNA methylation was established via siRNA transportation from tapetum, and reveals its linkage with gametophyte thermotolerance. It would be the first reported work clarifying the mechanism of how siRNA senses ambient temperature and react to high-temperature tolerance. These would be believed to impact the relative academic field.

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