Molecular organization, evolution, and function of ribosomal DNA

0565395 - BFÚ 2023 RIV CH eng O - Others
Volkov, R. - Borisjuk, N. - Garcia, S. - Kovařík, Aleš - Saez-Vasquez, J.
Molecular organization, evolution, and function of ribosomal DNA.
Frontiers in Plant Science. Frontiers Research Foundation. Roč. 13, AUG 4 2022 (2022), č. článku 994380. ISSN 1664-462X. E-ISSN 1664-462X
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GC20-14133J
Institutional support: RVO:68081707
Keywords : concerted evolution * epigenetics * molecular phylogeny and taxonomy * nucleolus * polyploidy * rRNA processing
OECD category: Plant sciences, botany

The aim of this Research Topic is to highlight the current status of knowledge and
research on plant ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The Topic compiles seven Original Research
papers, five Reviews, one Perspective and one Methods articles, viewed more than 26,000
times by the time of this Editorial. The scope covers diverse modern technologies,
scientific approaches, and research aimed at achieving a better understanding of the
many, complex aspects of rDNA structure, evolution, regulation, and functions in plant
development and adaptation.
The rDNA encodes four ribosomal RNA (rRNAs), which are the major components
of ribosome and constitute 65–75% of the plant cell’s total RNA. Because of its
abundance, functional importance and specific organization in evolutionarily conserved
rRNA coding sequences, and rapidly evolving intergenic spacer (IGS) regions, the
chromosomal and molecular organization, transcription and evolution of the rDNA have
been intensively studied since the early days of plant molecular biology.
The history of rDNA research started almost 90 years ago when McClintock (1934)
observed that in the interphase nuclei of maize the nucleolus was formed in association
with a specific region of a chromosome, which she called the nucleolar organizer
region (NOR). Early rDNA research in plants is presented in article of Hemleben
et al., which covers topics such as the synthesis of rRNA precursors, processing,
the organization and evolution of 5S and 18S-5.8S-26S (or 35-45S) rDNA as well as epigenetic phenomena and the impact of hybridization and
allopolyploidy on rDNA expression and homogenization. This
historical view sets the scene for the other articles highlighting
the progress in modern rDNA research.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0340829