Plant cells accumulate small RNA molecules that regulate plant development, genome
stability, and environmental responses. These small RNAs fall into three major classes …

Epigenetic modifications in DNA bases and histone proteins play important roles in the
regulation of gene expression and genome stability. Chemical modification of DNA base …

RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is a biological process in which non-coding RNA
molecules direct the addition of DNA methylation to specific DNA sequences. The RdDM …

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification required for transposable element (TE)
silencing, genome stability, and genomic imprinting. Although DNA methylation has been …

Epigenetics involves the heritable changes in patterns of gene expression determined by
developmental and abiotic stresses, ie, drought, cold, salinity, trace metals, and heat. Gene …

Reproductive tissues are a rich source of small RNAs, including several classes of short
interfering (si) RNAs that are restricted to this stage of development. In addition to RNA …

China has to feed 20% of the global population with only about 5% of the planet's water
resources and 7% of its arable land. With such limited natural conditions, however, China's …

DNA methylation shapes the epigenetic landscape of the genome, plays critical roles in
regulating gene expression, and ensures transposon silencing. As is evidenced by the …

Hybrid seed failure arising from wide crosses between plant species is a recurring obstacle
in plant breeding, impeding the transfer of desirable traits. This postzygotic reproductive …

In plants, de novo DNA methylation is guided by 24-nt short interfering (si) RNAs in a
process called RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Primarily targeted at transposons …