MOM1 Has Three Novel, Conserved Motifs

Earlier homology searches with MOM1 identified no other conserved sequences than the SNF2 domain and an actin-binding region [8]. Since then, many sequences have been added to databases and the genomes of rice (Oryza sativa) and poplar (Populus trichocarpa) have been sequenced and annotated [10],[11]. In the genomes of both these species, we have detected predicted proteins with MOM1 homologies extending beyond the SNF2 domain. In the poplar database, we detected three expressed proteins sharing homology with MOM1, referred to as PtMOM1, PtMOM2 and PtMOM3 (Figure 1). In the rice database, we found two expressed MOM1 homologs, OsMOM1 and OsMOM2 (Figure 1). A gene encoding a predicted MOM1 homologue was also found in the genome of the club moss (Selaginella moellendorffii), referred as SmMOM1 (Figure 1). In addition to closely related SNF2 sequences, alignment of MOM1 and the homologs revealed three further conserved regions shared by these proteins that we named CMM1-3 (for Conserved MOM1 Motif 1-3) (Figure 1 and Figure S1). Noticeably, two poplar (PtMOM1 and 2) and rice MOM1-related proteins encode complete SNF2 domains with all seven helicase motifs. Moreover, several MOM1 homologs contain additional sequence motifs such as a Plant Homeo Domain (PHD) and chromodomains (Figure 1).

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Figure 1. Schematic alignment of Arabidopsis MOM1 protein with its homologs in poplar (PtMOM1-3), rice (OsMOM1-2) and club moss (SmMOM1).

Triangles indicate the positions of T-DNA insertions in the Arabidopsis MOM1 gene: mom1-1 (insertion after encoding 1633 aa, accompanied by a 2-kb deletion beyond the insertion site) [8], mom1-2 (insertion after encoding 292 aa; SAIL_610_G01) and mom1-4 (insertion after encoding 1860 aa; SALK_131757). MOM1 contains two repetitive sequences, RS1 and RS2 (green boxes), a nuclear localization signal (NLS), a putative transmembrane domain (TM), and a region similar to an actin-binding domain (ABD) of chicken tensin [8]. SNF2 domains are shown dark grey with black lines representing the conserved helicase motifs (I, Ia, II, III, IV, V and VI). The Conserved MOM1 Motifs (CMM1-3) are marked as red boxes. MOM1 shares homology with PtMOM1-3 and SmMOM1 in its N-terminal region (light yellow). Some MOM1 homologs additionally bear a plant homeodomain (PHD, blue) finger and one or two chromodomains (CHD, yellow). Predicted polypeptide size is shown on the right. Position of conserved domains: CMM1(953–1044 aa), CMM2(1734–1815 aa), CMM3 (1993–2001 aa) and N-terminal homology region (33–140 aa).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1000165.g001

As well as in Angiosperms, further database searches revealed CMM-containing proteins that could be predicted from not fully annotated genomic databases of more distant vascular plants like pine (Pinus taeda) (Figure S1 and data not shown). Remarkably, MOM1 homologs seem to be absent from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the moss Physcomitrella patens. The apparent conservation of additional MOM1-specific structural features might point towards a role in MOM1-mediated gene silencing. To address this issue, we assessed the functional significance of conserved MOM1 domains in vivo.

Mutant Alleles of MOM1 Define a Region Essential for MOM1 Function

Loss of silencing in the mom1-1 mutant (Figure 1), which is predicted to encode a MOM1 protein with a deletion spanning the sequence 1633-2001aa (MOM1^{Δ1633–2001}) [8], implies that the missing section is essential for MOM1 function. Plants homozygous for the mom1-1 allele lose the ability to maintain TGS at previously silenced transgenic and endogenous chromosomal loci such as TSI (for Transcriptionally Silent Information) [3],[8]. In contrast, the previously uncharacterized mom1-4 allele (Figure 1), which is predicted to encode the MOM1 C-terminal truncation of 142 amino acids (MOM1^{Δ1860–2001}), is able to maintain TSI or transgenes silencing (Figure 2A and data not shown). To exclude the possibility that the T-DNA is spliced out of transcripts of the mom1-4 locus, we performed both RT-PCR with primers corresponding to the MOM1 sequence flanking the T-DNA insert and 3′RACE. The results from both assays were consistent with the termination of MOM1 transcripts within the T-DNA insertion (data not shown). Thus, the sequence absent in mom1-4, notably including the ABD and CMM3 (Figure 1), is dispensable for MOM1 function in TGS. Contrasting phenotypes of mom1-1 and mom1-4 provide evidence that a functionally essential domain resides between amino acids 1633–1859. However, effects such as an altered protein structure or the reduced stability of the mom1-1 gene product could not be ruled out. Moreover, it is possible that other parts of MOM1 are also essential for its function, given the presence of the 1633–1859 domain. To address these questions, we performed functional assessment of a series of MOM1 gene deletions.

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Figure 2. Functional analysis of MOM1 deletions.

(A) Levels of TSI transcripts in different mutant alleles of the MOM1 gene (the different levels of TSI in mom1-1 and mom1-2 are due to different genetic background of mutants, Zurich and Columbia, respectively). (B) Northern blot showing the presence of the MOM1 transcript in wild-type Arabidopsis and its depletion in the mom1-2 mutant. Below the blots: ethidium bromide-stained RNA gel used for the blotting, as a loading control. (C) Top line: a schematic representation of the MOM1 protein marked as in Figure 1. Below: a schematic representation of series of deletion constructs (the deleted part is marked by dotted lines and specified on the left). Northern blot revealing levels of TSI transcripts in RNA samples isolated from mom1 and 10 independent transgenic plants transformed with corresponding MOM1 deletion derivatives are shown on the right (marked as “Transformants”). TSI transcripts in wild type Arabidopsis cannot be detected by Northern blots (see (A)). Ethidium bromide-stained RNA gels are shown below each Northern blot as a loading control. TSI transcripts sizes are indicated on the right.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1000165.g002

SNF2 Helicase Motifs Are Dispensable for MOM1 Function

Although the partial SNF2 domain might be just a nonfunctional remnant of a complete domain of an MOM1 ancestor, as illustrated by the structures of MOM1-related proteins in poplar and rice, its presence may still be required for MOM1 silencing activity. To examine this, we tested a MOM1 deletion derivative lacking SNF2-related sequences as a substitute for the wild-type MOM1 protein. For this and the subsequent assays we used transgenic complementation tests of two mom1 mutant alleles: mom1-1 (MOM1^{Δ1633–2001}) discussed above and mom1-2 (Figure 1, Figure 2A). In mom1-2, the T-DNA insertion is predicted to result in truncation of more than 85% of the protein-coding sequence (T-DNA insertion after encoding 292 aa, Figure 1). Moreover, the MOM1 transcript is undetectable in mom1-2 (Figure 2B). These features suggest that mom1-2 is a null allele. When successful, the transgenic complementation tests should restore silencing of TSI sequences in the strains with mom1 mutant alleles [3]. We introduced a modified MOM1 gene encoding MOM1^Δ511–837 lacking all three helicase motifs IV, V and VI into mom1 mutants. This truncated MOM1 gene re-established silencing of TSI (Figure 2C). The apparent dispensability of the SNF2 domain unequivocally demonstrates that this domain and thus any presumed chromatin remodeling activity is not involved in MOM1-mediated silencing.

RS1, RS2, and CMM1 Are All Dispensable for the MOM1 Silencing Function

In order to assess the functional significance of other MOM1 protein sequence motifs, we performed systematic deletion/complementation analysis as for the SNF2 motif described above.

First, we constructed a series of deletions 5′ to the SNF2 region. This area encodes the first of the two repeated sequences (RS1) and an homologous region conserved between Arabidopsis, poplar and Selaginella but not present in rice MOM1 proteins (Figure 1). RS1 is composed of two repeats sharing higher similarity at the nucleotide (85.3%) than at the amino acid sequence level (78.0%) (data not shown), indicating a relatively recent duplication event. Both MOM1^{Δ125–345,511–837}, lacking both RS1 and SNF2-related sequences, as well as MOM1^Δ179–836, lacking RS1, the SNF2 domain and sequence linking those two elements, retained silencing activity (Figure 2C). Similarly, we assessed the functional importance of the N-terminal MOM1 sequence homologous to poplar MOM1- related proteins and Selaginella MOM1 (Figure 1). Since the predicted translation initiation of MOM1 is only five nucleotides after the first intron/exon junction, the most N-terminal deletion was introduced only after the first 22 amino acids of the predicted MOM1 sequence to ensure correct splicing. The resulting MOM1^{Δ23–122,511–837} was able to almost completely complement mom1 mutants (Figure 2C). This demonstrates that the N-terminal conserved sequence is also dispensable for MOM1-mediated gene silencing or has very minor contribution.

We next constructed a series of deletions 3′ to the SNF2 region. This area encodes the second of the two repeated sequences (RS2) and three CMM motifs conserved in poplar, rice and other vascular plants (Figure 1, Figure S1, and data not shown). MOM1^Δ881–1225 lacking CMM1 retained its silencing activity, indicating that CMM1 is also dispensable for TGS (Figure 2C). The silencing activity of MOM1^Δ881–1225 contradicts the previously proposed hypothesis that MOM1 acts in association with the nuclear membrane, as the deletion encompasses also the previously predicted transmembrane domain [8]. The repetitive sequence RS2 was targeted in two constructs encoding MOM1^{Δ1228–1557} and MOM1^{Δ1560–1666} carrying successive deletions of two parts of RS2 (Figure 2C). Additionally, the MOM1^{Δ1228–1557} deletion covers a non-conserved sequence residing 3′ to CMM1 and 5′ to RS2. Successful complementation with all these constructs showed that this entire area of the gene is functionally dispensable.

A Predicted NLS and CMM2 Are Essential for the MOM1 Silencing Function

Previous predictions based on the MOM1 sequence revealed three potential NLS sequences [8]; however, re-examination with recent NLS prediction algorithms [12] confirmed only one NLS (Figure 1). This NLS is bordered on both sides by functionally dispensable sequences examined in MOM1^{Δ125–345,511–837}, MOM1^Δ179–836 and MOM1^Δ881–1225 proficient in TGS (Figure 2C). In contrast, MOM1^Δ125–1221 with a large deletion encompassing the NLS together with surrounding, functionally superfluous sequences failed to complement mom1-2 (Figure 2C). This suggests a requirement for NLS and is consistent with the reported nuclear localization of MOM1 [8].

Successful complementation of mom1 with a series of MOM1 truncations in the interval 22–1666 aa, with the exception of the 35 aa spanning the NLS, together with contrasting mom1-1 and mom1-4 silencing properties, suggest that the NLS and the sequence of 197 aa containing CMM2 are necessary and sufficient for the MOM1 silencing function. Therefore, we tested whether such a predicted “miniMOM1” protein (MOM1^{Δ23–836,872–1662,1860–2001}), representing a fusion of these two sequences and comprising less than 13% of the MOM1, retains gene silencing activity (Figure 3A). The complementation tests clearly show that “miniMOM1” retains silencing activity, as reflected by a significant reduction in TSI transcription. However, TSI silencing seems to be incomplete and low levels of TSI RNAs were detected on Northern blots (Figure 3A). TSI consists of highly repeated elements residing in pericentromeric regions of all five Arabidopsis chromosomes. Therefore, it is possible that not all TSI templates are resilenced to completion by “miniMOM1” or that “miniMOM1” may require a minor contribution of conserved N-terminal sequence. Alternatively, the “miniMOM1” itself or its mRNA might be unstable and not able to reach levels allowing for complete TSI silencing. Therefore, we performed protein blots using material of randomly chosen transgenic lines. The “miniMOM1” protein was readily detected (Figure S2) and, thus, insufficient availability of “miniMOM1” cannot be considered as an explanation for incomplete TSI silencing.

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Figure 3. Evolutionary Conserved MOM1 Motif 2 (CMM2) is essential for MOM1 silencing function.

(A) Top: schematic representation of “miniMOM1” compared with MOM1. Below: Northern blot displaying levels of TSI transcripts in RNA samples isolated from mom1 and 10 independent transgenic plants transformed with a “miniMOM1” construct. Bottom: Quantitative GUS expression for the resilencing of transgenic GUS locus of line L5, which being transcriptionally silent in wild-type Arabidopsis (L5) is activated in the mom1 mutant (mom1::L5) and resilenced in the two independent transgenic lines transformed with a “mini MOM1” construct (mom1::L5::miniMOM1 #2 and #3). The data are given as means of three independent assays, and error bars indicate standard error. (B) Top: schematic representation of MOM1^{Δ1560–1666, 1734–1815, 1860–2001} lacking CMM2 (Δ1560–1666, 1734–1815, 1860–2001) and MOM1^{Δ1560–1666, 1734–1815, 1860–2001} containing CMM2 from poplar (Δ1560–1666, PtCMM2, Δ1860–2001). Below: Northern blots revealing levels of TSI transcripts in RNA samples isolated from mom1 and 10 independent transgenic plants transformed with corresponding constructs. Bottom: histochemical staining for the resilencing of the transgenic GUS locus of line L5 by MOM1^{Δ1560–1666, 1734–1815, 1860–2001} with and without CMM2 from poplar. The histochemical assays shown are representative of plants from each genotype.

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To assess more precisely the silencing ability of “miniMOM1”, we introduced it into mom1 mutant strains containing the silent GUS marker locus of line L5 [13]. In these strains, the mutations mom1-1 or mom1-2 release TGS of the GUS transgene (Figure 3A). The GUS transgene was, as TSI, almost completely resilenced upon introduction of “miniMOM1” (Figure 3A). These results confirm the silencing activity of “miniMOM1” and point to CMM2 as the main and possibly the only element clearly essential for the silencing activity of MOM1, given that the NLS is provided.

MOM2 – a Non Functional Arabidopsis MOM1 Homolog

Available sequences indicate that the genomes of several plant species have genes encoding MOM1 homologs. In poplar, PtMOM2 and PtMOM3 represent truncated derivatives of PtMOM1 (Figure 1). Similarly, we found a transcribed gene in Arabidopsis, hereafter referred to as MOM2 (At2g28240), predicted to encode a protein homologous to the C-terminal part of MOM1. MOM2 retained CMM2 and CMM3; however, it acquired a novel tandemly repeated sequence (RS). The absence of corresponding repeats in MOM1, along with presence of RS2 missing in MOM2, implies that these repeats were acquired independently after MOM1 and MOM2 diverged from a common ancestor. MOM2 lacks NLS and, furthermore, its CMM2 bears mutations in amino acids conserved in other MOM1 homologs (Figure S3 and data not shown). The two tested mom2 mutant alleles mom2-1 (WiscDsLox364H07) and mom2-2 (SAIL548_H02) did not affect TSI silencing (Figure S3). Additionally, mom1 mom2 double mutants had a level of TSI expression similar to that in mom1 (Figure S3), indicating that MOM2 has no silencing function redundant with MOM1. These observations are in agreement with the essential roles of the NLS and the intact CMM2 for gene silencing of MOM1.

CMM2 Silencing Function Is Evolutionary Conserved

CMM2 was detected as one of three regions of MOM1-related proteins that are conserved in addition to SNF2 motifs (Figure 1 and Figure S1). To examine whether this structural conservation also reflects conservation of a silencing function, we replaced CMM2 of Arabidopsis MOM1 by the CMM2 predicted for PtMOM1 of poplar (Figure 3B). We compared mom1-2 complementation ability of the MOM1^{Δ1560–1666, 1734–1815, 1860–2001} construct lacking CMM2 to the same construct containing CMM2 from poplar. Poplar CMM2 clearly restored the silencing activity of MOM1^{Δ1560–1666, 1734–1815, 1860–2001}, suggesting that PtMOM1 is able to perform gene silencing mediated by its CMM2 (Figure 3B).

MOM1-Related Proteins Originate through Neo-Functionalization of Evolutionary Conserved CHD3-Like Silencing Factors

The sequence of PtMOM1 also predicts, in addition to an integral SNF2 domain with all six helicase motifs, the presence of a PHD finger and double chromodomains (Figure 1). The combination of PHD fingers, double chromodomains and an SNF2 domain is a distinctive feature of CHD3 proteins (Chromodomain-Helicase-DNA binding) [14]; noticeably plant CHD3-like proteins retained only a single PHD finger domain. The intact SNF2 domain is critical for the silencing function of CHD3 proteins. The long life-span of poplar and continuous production of “ancient” gametes is thought to reduce significantly the speed of genome evolution compared with Arabidopsis (estimated at six times) [11]. Therefore, PtMOM1 presumably reflects a more ancient sequence arrangement than those of the Arabidopsis or rice MOM1 proteins and the presence of all CHD3 domains in PtMOM1 provides strong support for an evolutionary link between MOM1 and CHD3 proteins (Figures 1, 4 and Figure S4). PtMOM1structural features were also found in SmMOM1 (Figure 1) providing additional support to this conclusion.

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Figure 4. MOM1 and PKL together contribute to the control of TGS.

(A) Schematic comparison of predicted protein domains of MOM1, PKL and PtMOM1 (color code as in Figure 1). (B) Northern blot showing levels of TSI transcripts of four wild-type plants (WT) and five plants of each mutant strain; pkl, mom1 and mom1pkl double mutant. Below the blot: ethidium bromide-stained RNA gel used for the blotting as a loading control.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1000165.g004

The Arabidopsis genome contains two genes encoding CHD3-like proteins – PICKLE (PKL) (Figure 4A) and the as yet uncharacterized At5g44800. PKL is required for postembryonic transcriptional suppression of genes involved in embryogenesis [15],[16] and seems to contribute also to the restriction of ectopic meristematic activity [17].

Arabidopsis MOM1 and PKL Together Contribute to TGS Control

Since MOM1 and PKL likely diverged from a common ancestral CHD3-like gene, we were interested to examine whether their functions may still converge in the control of gene silencing. We combined the pkl and mom1 mutations and compared levels of transcriptional reactivation of TSI in the single and pkl mom1 double mutants (Figure 4B). TSI activated in mom1 remained silent in pkl, suggesting that, in contrast to MOM1, depletion of PKL was not sufficient to release TSI silencing. However, the level of TSI transcripts was increased approximately fourfold in pkl mom1 double mutants compared with the mom1 single mutant. Thus, even though PKL and MOM1 diverged in terms of their active domains, they are still able to cooperate functionally in the control of TGS.

RNA Analysis

Total RNA was isolated using the TRI reagent (Sigma) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Detection of TSI was as described previously [3].

Gene Manipulation and Transformation of Plants

The MOM1 genomic sequence was assembled in the binary vector pCAMBIA1301 after elimination of vector sequence EcoRI-BstEII encompassing a multiple cloning site and the β-glucuronidase gene. DNA fragments covering the entire MOM1 gene and ∼2 kb of sequence upstream of the transcription start were detected in the Arabidopsis thaliana Lambda Genomic Library (Stratagene) and assembled in the modified vector.

To create MOM1^Δ511–837, MOM1^{Δ1096–1234}, MOM1^Δ881–1225, MOM1^{Δ125–345,511–837}, MOM1^Δ179–836, MOM1^Δ125–1221, MOM1^{Δ1228–1557}, MOM1^{Δ1560–1666}, MOM1^{Δ23–122,511–837}, MOM1^{Δ23–836,872–1662,1860–2001}, the MOM1 gene sequences bordered by restriction sites BstBI-XmaI, AseI-AseI, XmaI-BbvCI, SalI-BstBI, SalI-XmaI, SalI-BbvCI, BbvCI-BlpI, BlpI-BlpI, NcoI-SalI, NcoI-BstBI, respectively, were replaced with oligonucleotide adapters or amplified fragments containing matching restriction sites. To create MOM1^{Δ125–345,511–837}, MOM1^Δ179–836, MOM1^{Δ23–122,511–837} and MOM1^{Δ23–836,872–1662,1860–2001}, the corresponding deletions were introduced into MOM1^Δ511–837. Constructs encoding the modified MOM1 proteins were introduced into mom1 mutant plants using the floral dip method [24].

Western Blotting

A total protein extract in Laemmli sample buffer was fractionated by 10% SDS/PAGE and blotted onto a Hybond-P membrane (Amersham Pharmacia). Proteins were visualized using the ECL PLUS kit (Amersham Pharmacia) after membrane hybridization with anti-HA antibody (Roche).

GUS Assays

Staining was performed on 1-week-old seedlings as described [25]. Quantitative GUS activity assay was performed on 13-day-old plantlets as described [25] with minor modifications.

Accession Numbers

AtMOM1 (At1g08060); AtMOM2 (At2g28240); PtMOM1 (eugene3.00130053); PtMOM2 (eugene3.00660276); PtMOM3 (eugene3.01310088); OsMOM1 (Os06g01320); OsMOM2 (Os02g02050); SmMOM1 (estExt_fgenesh2_pg.C_110182); PKL (At2g25170).