Researchers Uncover Plant Enzyme Evolution for DNA Methylation

The discovery of plant-specific enzymes offers insights into genetic regulation and potential agricultural advancements.

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have identified how plants evolved unique enzymes, CMT3 and CMT2, to regulate DNA methylation.
DNA methylation involves adding methyl groups to DNA, which controls gene expression and impacts traits like environmental stress response.
The study reveals that CMT2 and CMT3, both part of the chromomethylase family, evolved different functions through duplication events.
Research shows CMT2 lost its ability to methylate CHG sequences due to the replacement of arginine with valine, altering its function.
These findings could lead to innovations in crop resilience by manipulating gene regulation to enhance traits under environmental stress.