A screen for sRNA-directed chromatin silencing in Chlamydomonas

Andrew Bassett and David Baulcombe

Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, United Kingdom

Chromatin-mediated silencing is a fundamental process used to control numerous DNA-dependent processes including regulation of gene expression, recombination, and suppression of transposons. It is also an important consideration in the generation of transgenic organisms. In addition to their role in regulating mRNA levels, small RNAs (sRNAs) can target changes in chromatin structure at complimentary DNA sequences. I will describe a forward genetic screen aimed to identify components involved in sRNA-targeted transcriptional silencing in Chlamydomonas. An initial characterization of the mutants obtained has identified changes in both chromatin modifications such as DNA methylation and in small RNA expression. I will describe the current progress with identifying the mutations involved in this process.

e-mail address of presenting author: arb43@cam.ac.uk