"Organelle-mediated Epigenomic Reprogramming in Plants and its Developmental Implications"

The MSH1 gene in plants is a dual targeted protein that participates in stabilizing the mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes. However, multi-functionalization of the protein has resulted in additional properties of the protein within the plastid. Mutation or suppression of MSH1 results in an organelle-mediated process of developmental reprogramming that dramatically alters plant phenotype. This process is accompanied by methylome changes to the nuclear genome that are heritable. More detailed investigation of MSH1 has localized the protein to specialized plastids and to display specialized spatial expression. The epigenetic reprogramming phenomenon that arises with MSH1 suppression presents a unique opportunity for investigating phenotypic plasticity and potential agricultural implications of epigenetic variation.