Identification and Validation of Selected DNA Methyltransferase Genes in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Common bean is one of the most important edible legume crops that provide an abundance of nutritional value such as protein and fiber; common bean is also an economically important crop throughout the world. Research on this staple crop has made an impact in understanding methods of crop improvement in order to maintain and expand crop yields. Epigenetic modifications are known to affect the gene expression of an organism without affecting the DNA sequence. One of the major types of epigenetic modifications our lab focuses on is DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a process in which a DNA methyltransferase activates the transfer of a methyl group to CpG islands and CpNpG trinucleotide sequences in plants. There are three known methyltransferase families that inhibit transcription by way of maintenance or de novo methylation; the methyltransferase family (MET), chromomethylase family (CMT) and the domain-rearranged methyltransferase family (DRM); based on these families we have selected three methyltransferase genes within these families to identify using sequencing and expression cloning methods in common bean (Phvul.004G133200, Phvul.044G176100 and Phvul. 002G113900). The purpose of identifying these genes can assist us in understanding their role and to develop antibodies for chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) using G19833, the sequenced genotype, and Sierra, a rust-resistant genotype.