Reactivation of the tRNASer/tRNATyr gene cluster in Arabidopsis thaliana root tips

Abstract

Plants maintain redundant tRNA genes (tDNAs) in their nuclear genomes, but the significance, regulation, and functional roles of these genes remain poorly understood. A cluster of tandemly repeated tDNAs decoding serine and tyrosine (SYY cluster) is located on Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) chromosome 1, intersecting constitutive heterochromatin and remaining transcriptionally silenced in most tissues. The natural conditions inducing their transcription remain unknown. Here, we elucidate the tissue-specific expression pattern of this cluster during seedling establishment. Our findings reveal that SYY cluster tRNAs are primarily produced in the root cap columella and adjacent root cap cells. Transcriptional reactivation of the SYY cluster occurs in these tissues despite high DNA methylation levels. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these cells accumulate high levels of a transgenic glycoprotein rich in serine, tyrosine, and proline, and that CRISPR/Cas9 deletion of the SYY cluster alters the accumulation and stability of the glycoprotein in these specific cells. Our work provides pioneering evidence of a developmental and cell-specific expression program for a plant tDNA. We offer insights into the putative role of specialized tDNAs in enhancing glycoprotein biosynthesis in protective tissues of the meristem.