University of Cambridge Department of Plant Sciences, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK.
Trends Plant Sci. 2010 Apr;15(4):204-10. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2010.01.002. Epub 2010 Feb 1.
To understand how DNA sequence is translated to phenotype we must understand the epigenetic features that regulate gene expression. Recent research illuminates the complex interactions between DNA methylation, small RNAs, silencing of transposable elements, and genomic imprinting in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed. These studies suggest that transposable elements reactivated in specific cells of the gametophyte and seed might enhance silencing of transposable elements in the germline and embryo. By sacrificing genomic integrity these cells might make an epigenetic rather than genetic contribution to the progeny. This research could have implications for interspecies hybridization, the evolution of genomic imprinting, and epigenetic communication from plant to progeny.
为了理解 DNA 序列如何转化为表型，我们必须了解调节基因表达的表观遗传特征。最近的研究揭示了 DNA 甲基化、小 RNA、转座元件沉默和拟南芥（Arabidopsis thaliana）种子中的基因组印记之间的复杂相互作用。这些研究表明，在配子体和种子的特定细胞中重新激活的转座元件可能增强生殖细胞系和胚胎中转座元件的沉默。这些细胞通过牺牲基因组完整性，可能会对后代做出表观遗传而非遗传贡献。这项研究可能对种间杂交、基因组印记的进化以及植物向后代的表观遗传通讯产生影响。
