Epigenetic Modulation: An Unexplored Aspect of rolB Gene in Transgenic Plants

Transgenic technologies are an important source of genetic and epigenetic variations in plants, leading to changes in endogenous gene expression. The rolB gene of Agrobacterium rhizogenes has been recognized for various valuable biological activities in transgenic plants. However, the information regarding the epigenetic effects of this gene in plants is still lacking. In this study, we focused on the global methylation level changes of DNA, in rolB transgenics of Nicotiana tabacum. In order to find the molecular background of methylation variations, the expression level of genes involved in epigenetic processes (NtMET1, NtA31, NtROS1 and NtDRM1) in transgenic N. tabacum resources was determined by real time PCR. Moreover the interaction of RolB protein with the proteins involved in methylation was determined by molecular docking studies. We observed a significant increase in global methylation level in transgenic plants as compared to wild type plants. The results of RT-PCR showed that rolB gene triggered a significant increase in the expression of NtMET1 and NtA31 genes while NtROS1 and NtDRM1 did not show any significant change in expression as compared to wild type plants. Furthermore, the docking studies illustrated that RolB protein has ability to interact with the proteins involved in epigenetic changes in N. tabacum. The obtained results showed that the rolB gene functions in plants by inducing epigenetic modifications. Our findings suggest a new insight in fundamental research on epigenetic variations in rolB transgenics and can be used in elucidating the mechanism behind the various biomedical activities of rolB gene in plants.

Automated summary

Transgenic technologies are a valuable source of genetic and epigenetic variations in plants. In this study, the rolB gene in transgenic tobacco plants was found to cause an increase in global methylation levels. The expression levels of genes involved in epigenetic processes and the interaction between RolB protein and methylation-related proteins were investigated. The results showed that the rolB gene induces epigenetic modifications in plants. These findings provide new insights into epigenetic variations in transgenic plants and can contribute to understanding the biomedical activities of the rolB gene in plants.