Geminiviruses boost active DNA demethylation for counter-defense

DNA methylation regulates gene expression under abiotic and biotic stresses. Recently, Gui et al. discovered that geminiviruses subverted DNA methylation-mediated defense through boosting the active DNA demethylation mediated by host DNA glycosylases to promote viral virulence. Their findings reveal a distinctive counter-defense strategy exploited by invading pathogens to achieve successful infection.

Automated summary

DNA methylation is a regulatory mechanism for gene expression under stress conditions. It has been discovered that geminiviruses can enhance the active DNA demethylation mediated by host DNA glycosylases to subvert the DNA methylation-mediated defense, thus enhancing viral virulence. This finding reveals a unique counter-defense strategy employed by invading pathogens for successful infection.