Chromosomal imprinting in plants

Chromosomal imprints in the broadest sense can arise in somatic as well as germline cells. They can be imposed through the modification of chromosomal proteins or by the modification of chromosomal DNA, and they typically effect the expression of nearby genes. Modification enzymes - such as histone deacetylases and cytosine methyltransferases, as well as chromatin components - are known to play this role in animals and many of these same enzymes and components have been found in plants. Transposable elements are subject to chromosomal imprinting and may play a fundamental role in this process in plant and other eukaryotic genomes. (C) Current Biology Ltd ISSN 0959-437X