Coupling epigenetics and RNA polyadenylation: missing links

Precise regulation of gene expression is crucial for plant survival. As a cotranscriptional regulatory mechanism, pre-mRNA polyadenylation is essential for fine-tuning gene expression. Polyadenylation can be alternatively projected at various sites of a transcript, which contributes to transcriptome diversity. Epigenetic modification is another mechanism of transcriptional control. Recent studies have uncovered crosstalk between cotranscriptional polyadenylation processes and both epigenomic and epitranscriptomic markers. Genetic analyses have demonstrated that DNA methylation, histone modifications, and epitranscriptomic modification are involved in regulating polyadenylation in plants. Here we summarize current understanding of the links between epigenetics and polyadenylation and their novel biological efficacy for plant development and environmental responses. Unresolved issues and future directions are discussed to shed light on the field.

Automated summary

Precise regulation of gene expression is essential for plant survival. Pre-mRNA polyadenylation, as a cotranscriptional regulatory mechanism, plays a crucial role in fine-tuning gene expression. Epigenetic modification, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and epitranscriptomic modification, has been found to be involved in regulating polyadenylation in plants. This article summarizes the links between epigenetics and polyadenylation and discusses their novel biological efficacy for plant development and environmental responses.