J Integr Plant Biol. ›› 2022, Vol. 64 ›› Issue (12): 2275-2289.DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13383

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R-loop: The new genome regulatory element in plants

Jincong Zhou1, 2†, Weifeng Zhang1, 2†, Qianwen Sun1, 2*   

  1. 1 Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    2 Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China

    These authors contributed to this work equally.
    *Correspondence: Qianwen Sun (sunqianwen@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn)
  • Received:2022-06-29 Accepted:2022-10-10 Online:2022-10-12 Published:2022-12-01

Abstract:

An R-loop is a three-stranded chromatin structure that consists of a displaced single strand of DNA and an RNA:DNA hybrid duplex, which was thought to be a rare by-product of transcription. However, recent genome-wide data have shown that R-loops are widespread and pervasive in a variety of genomes, and a growing body of experimental evidence indicates that R-loops have both beneficial and harmful effects on an organism. To maximize benefit and avoid harm, organisms have evolved several means by which they tightly regulate R-loop levels. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the biogenesis and effects of R-loops, the mechanisms that regulate them, and methods of R-loop profiling, reviewing recent research advances on R-loops in plants. Furthermore, we provide perspectives on future research directions for R-loop biology in plants, which might lead to a more comprehensive understanding of R-loop functions in plant genome regulation and contribute to future agricultural improvements.

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