DDM1 binds Arabidopsis methyl-CpG binding domain proteins and affects their subnuclear localization

Assaf Zemach, Yan Li, Bess Wayburn, Hagit Ben-Meir, Vladimir Kiss, Yigal Avivi, Vyacheslav Kalchenko, Steven E. Jacobsen, Gideon Grafi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

Methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD) proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana bind in vitro methylated CpG sites. Here, we aimed to characterize the binding properties of AtMBDs to chromatin in Arabidopsis nuclei. By expressing in wild-type cells AtMBDs fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP), we showed that AtMBD7 was evenly distributed at all chromocenters, whereas AtMBD5 and 6 showed preference for two perinucleolar chromocenters adjacent to nucleolar organizing regions. AtMBD2, previously shown to be incapable of binding in vitro-methylated CpG, was dispersed within the nucleus, excluding chromocenters and the nucleolus. Recruitment of AtMBD5, 6, and 7 to chromocenters was disrupted in ddm1 and met1 mutant cells, where a significant reduction in cytosine methylation occurs. In these mutant cells, however, AtMBD2 accumulated at chromocenters. No effect on localization was observed in the chromomethylase3 mutant showing reduced CpNpG methylation or in kyp-2 displaying a reduction in Lys 9 histone H3 methylation. Transient expression of DDM1 fused to GFP showed that DDM1 shares common sites with AtMBD proteins. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays demonstrated that AtMBDs bind DDM1; the MBD motif was sufficient for this interaction. Our results suggest that the subnuclear localization of AtMBD is not solely dependent on CpG methylation; DDM1 may facilitate localization of AtMBDs at specific nuclear domains.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1549-1558
Number of pages10
JournalPlant Cell
Volume17
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Plant Science
  • Cell Biology

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