Plants Employ Genetic “Regulator” to Suppress Harmful Genes, Boosting Resilience
Vienna, Austria – A newly discovered protein in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana is giving researchers critical insight into how plants defend their genomes against “jumping genes” – and, crucially, how populations adapt to changing environments. The protein, CDCA7, acts as a regulator, controlling the suppression of unwanted genes and influencing traits vital for plant survival, according to a study published today in Nature Plants.
This breakthrough offers a potential pathway to understanding and enhancing plant resilience in the face of climate change and environmental stress. By fine-tuning their internal defence mechanisms, plants can better adapt to local conditions, impacting characteristics like seed size – a key factor for survival in harsh climates. The research, led by Pierre Bourguet, could have implications for crop improvement and conservation efforts, allowing scientists to bolster the adaptability of plant species worldwide.
Researchers found that CDCA7’s activity directly impacts how plants interact with epigenetic markings, which influence gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. The more active CDCA7 is, the more effectively unwanted genes are silenced. “Natural variations in the CDCA7 gene act like a regulator,” explained Bourguet. This allows different plant populations to customize their defenses against the disruptive effects of transposable elements, commonly known as jumping genes.
The study revealed a link between CDCA7 variations and reproductive characteristics. Specifically, the protein influences seed size, a trait demonstrably linked to a plant’s ability to thrive in challenging environments. Researchers believe this connection highlights CDCA7’s role in facilitating adaptation through epigenetic variation – changes in gene expression driven by environmental factors.
The research team included pierre Bourguet,Zdravko J Lorkovic,Darya Kripkiy Casado,valentin Bapteste,Chung Hyun Cho,Anna Igolkina,Cheng-Ruei Lee,Magnus Nordborg,Frédéric Berger,and Eriko Sasaki. Their findings are detailed in the publication: Pierre Bourguet,Zdravko J Lorkovic,Darya Kripkiy Casado,valentin Bapteste,Chung Hyun Cho,Anna Igolkina,Cheng-Ruei Lee,Magnus Nordborg,frédéric Berger,Eriko Sasaki. Major alleles of CDCA7 shape CG methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Nature plants DOI: 10.1038/s41477-025-02148-w.
