Skip to main content
Log in

The expression of phytohemagglutinin genes in Phaseolus vulgaris is associated with organ-specific DNA methylation patterns

  • Plant Molecular Biology Update
  • Published:
Plant Molecular Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Using methylation sensitive restriction enzymes and DNA gel blot analyses, we have examined DNA methylation patterns at the chromosomal locus harboring the two phytohemagglutinin genes of Phaseolus vulgaris. In cotyledons, where the genes are highly expressed, several sites have become undermethylated, whereas the methylation status of other sites remains constant, both in cotyledons and in other organs. Taken together with measurements of mRNA levels, these studies provide evidence that organ-specific changes in DNA methylation patterns are associated with the organ-specific expression of nuclear genes in a dicotyledonous plant.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bianchi MW, Viotti A: DNA methylation and tissue-specific transcription of the storage protein genes of maize. Plant Mol Biol 11: 203–214 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Borrebaeck CAK: Detection and characterization of a lectin from non-seed tissue of Phaseolus vulgaris. Planta 161: 223–228 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Chomczynski P, Qasba PK: Transfer of DNA to plastic membrane. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 122: 340–344 (1984).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. DeVries S, Hoge H, Bisseling T: Isolation of total and polysomal RNA from plant tissues. In: Gelvin SB, Schilperoort RA (eds) Plant Molecular Biology Manual B6: 1–13. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Feinberg AP, Vogelstein B: A technique for radiolabeling DNA restriction endonuclease fragments to high specific activity. Anal Biochem 132: 6–13 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Fourney RM, Miyakoshi J, Day RS, Paterson MC: Northern blotting: Efficient RNA staining and transfer. FOCUS (BRL) 10: 5–7 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Gruenbaum Y, Cedar H, Razin A: Restriction enzyme digestion of hemimethylated DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 9: 2509–2515 (1981).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Hoffman LM, Donaldson DD: Characterization of two Phaseolus vulgaris phytohemagglutinin genes closely linked on the chromosome. EMBO J 4: 883–889 (1985).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Marks MD, West J, Weeks DP: The relatively large β-tubulin gene family of Arabidopsis contains a member with an unusual transcribed 5′ noncoding region. Plant Mol Biol 10: 91–104 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Murray MG, Thompson WF: Rapid isolation of high molecular weight plant DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 8: 4321–4325 (1980).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Riggs CD, Voelker TA, Chrispeels MJ: Cotyledon nuclear proteins bind to DNA fragments harboring regulatory elements of phytohemagglutinin genes. Plant Cell 1: 609–621 (1989).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Smith HO, Kelly SV: Methylases of the type II restriction-modification systems. In: Razin A, Cedar H, Riggs AD (eds) DNA Methylation: Biochemistry and Biological Significance, pp. 39–72. Springer-Verlag Press, New York. (1984).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Daniel Riggs, C., Chrispeels, M.J. The expression of phytohemagglutinin genes in Phaseolus vulgaris is associated with organ-specific DNA methylation patterns. Plant Mol Biol 14, 629–632 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00027510

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00027510

Key words

Navigation