Role of the chloroplast epitranscriptome and involvement of the RNA methyltransferases PFC1 and TRM1c in the cold

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Jörg Meurer
• Subject Area: Plant Physiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 565335356

Role of the chloroplast epitranscriptome and involvement of the plastid RNA methyltransferases PFC1 and TRM1c in the cold. RNA modifications, such as m6A marks, are widespread in living organisms and are intricately linked with developmental processes and diverse stress responses. Importantly, m6A methylation marks are pervasive in nucleus-derived mRNAs related to chloroplast categories and highly enriched in chloroplast mRNAs. Remarkably, our understanding of chloroplast mRNA epitranscriptomic factors (writers, readers and erasers) is virtually nonexistent, and knowledge regarding rRNA modifications is notably scarce. We have demonstrated the impact of m6A methylation on cytosolic RNAs, particularly enhancing cold resistance, mainly influencing photosynthetic and other chloroplast functions. Numerous indications suggest that RNA methylation in chloroplasts plays an important role in cold acclimation. This study aims to unveil the role of the two chloroplast RNA methyltransferases PFC1 and TRM1c. Both factors significantly contribute to cold resistance in plants and our analyses are already well advanced. Using sophisticated RNA studies and nanopore direct RNA sequencing, we seek to uncover the significant role of the chloroplast epitranscriptome in deciphering the mechanisms underlying plant resilience to cold.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants