Published on May 15, 2017 in New Phytol. volume 215(1).
PubMed ID: 28503769
DOI: 10.1111/nph.14586
Abstract:
eukaryotes, but its role and the status of factors accompanying this modification are still poorly understood. Using combined methods of genetics, proteomics and RNA biochemistry, we identified a core set of mRNA m(6) A writer proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. The components required for m(6) A in Arabidopsis included MTA, MTB, FIP37, VIRILIZER and the E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI. Downregulation of these proteins led to reduced relative m(6) A levels and shared pleiotropic phenotypes, which included aberrant vascular formation in the root, indicating that correct m(6) A methylation plays a role in developmental decisions during pattern formation. The conservation of these proteins amongst eukaryotes and the demonstration of a role in writing m(6) A for the E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI is likely to be of considerable relevance beyond the plant sciences.