Epigenetic Phenomenon of Paramutation in Plants and Animals

Dina A. Kulikova, Alina V. Bespalova, Elena S. Zelentsova, Mikhail B. Evgen’ev, Sergei Yu Funikov

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Abstract: The phenomenon of paramutation describes the interaction between two alleles, in which one allele initiates inherited epigenetic conversion of another allele without affecting the DNA sequence. Epigenetic transformations due to paramutation are accompanied by the change in DNA and/or histone methylation patterns, affecting gene expression. Studies of paramutation in plants and animals have identified small non-coding RNAs as the main effector molecules required for the initiation of epigenetic changes in gene loci. Due to the fact that small non-coding RNAs can be transmitted across generations, the paramutation effect can be inherited and maintained in a population. In this review, we will systematically analyze examples of paramutation in different living systems described so far, highlighting common and different molecular and genetic aspects of paramutation between organisms, and considering the role of this phenomenon in evolution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1429-1450
Number of pages22
JournalBiochemistry (Moscow)
Volume89
Issue number8
StatePublished - Aug 2024
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. 2024.

Keywords

  • chromatin
  • epigenetics
  • gene expression
  • non-Mendelian inheritance
  • small non-coding RNAs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous)
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Epigenetic Phenomenon of Paramutation in Plants and Animals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this