Two ARGONAUTE proteins loaded with transposon-derived small RNAs are associated with the reproductive cell lineage in Arabidopsis

• DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad295
• Publication Date: 2023-12-07T22:42:59Z
• Authors: Gabriele Bradamante; Vu Hoang Nguyen; Marco Incarbone; Zohar Meir; Heinrich Bente; Mattia Donà; Nicole Lettner; Ortrun Mittelsten...; Ruben Gutzat
• Keywords: Argonaute; Piwi-interacting RNA; Epigenome; Gamete

Abstract In sexually propagating organisms, genetic, and epigenetic mutations are evolutionarily relevant only if they occur in the germline hence transmitted to next generation. contrast most animals, plants considered lack an early segregating germline, implying that somatic cells can contribute genetic information progeny. Here we demonstrate 2 ARGONAUTE proteins, AGO5 AGO9, mark associated with sexual reproduction Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) throughout development. Both AGOs loaded dynamically changing small RNA populations derived from highly methylated, pericentromeric, long transposons. Sequencing of single stem cell nuclei revealed many these transposons co-expressed within AGO5/9 expression domain shoot apical meristem (SAM). Co-occurrence transposon specific (AGO) SAM is reminiscent features animals supports existence plants. Our results open path investigating biology epigenome dynamics at cellular resolution niche.