RNA-directed DNA Methylation is associated with gene expression via chromosomal Interactions. Arabidopsis thaliana

RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is a process, where small interfering RNA (siRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) work together to repress transposons. In addition to controlling repetitive sequences, it contributes to the regulation of gene expression. Molecular mechanisms of transcription regulation by RdDM remain mostly unknown. We show that RdDM is involved in repression of long range chromosomal interactions. We propose a model where RdDM contributes to the regulation of gene expression by controlling looping between genes and their distant enhancers. Overall design: Differential expression in ago4 compared to Col-0. Examination of Long Distance Chromosomal Interactions by Hi-C.