The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) produces the major components of a key cellular machine, the ribosome. Recent progress on genome sequencing, functional genomics, and proteomics has elevated studies of the regulation of rDNA expression, rDNA evolution, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing, and ribosome biogenesis to new levels and expanded our understanding of how these processes interact with environmental and stress responses in plants. The rDNA encodes four rRNAs, which are the major structural and functional components of the ribosome and constitute 65–75% of the plant cell’s total RNA; to meet cellular demand for rRNA, the rRNA coding genes are present in hundreds to thousands of copies per genome. Moreover, rRNA synthesis involves specialised transcription complexes built around RNA Polymerase I for 18S-5.8S-25S rRNAs and RNA Polymerase III for 5S rRNA and is tightly regulated by multiple internal factors and external stimuli. Because of its abundance and specific organization in evolutionarily conserved rRNA coding sequences and rapidly evolving intergenic spacer regions, the chromosomal/molecular organization and evolution of the rDNA have been intensively studied since the early days of plant molecular biology. Now, emerging research has broadened our understanding of rDNA function, evolution, and regulation.
The aim of this Research Topic is to highlight the current status of our knowledge and research about plant rDNA. The scope covers diverse modern technologies, scientific approaches, and research aimed at achieving a better understanding of the many, complex aspects of rDNA structure, regulation, evolution, and functions in plant development and adaptation. We especially welcome multidisciplinary scientific papers, Reviews, and Mini-Reviews for wider explorations of this topic.
Potential topics include, but are not limited, to:
• Genome organization of 5S and 45S rDNA clusters
• Functional organization and regulation of rDNA transcription
• rRNA processing and ribosome biogenesis
• rDNA/rRNA responses to environmental challenges
• rDNA cytogenetics and organization of the nucleolus
• rDNA molecular evolution, speciation, and taxonomy
Please note that descriptive studies, including those using 'omics approaches, defining gene families, or descriptive collections of transcripts, proteins, or metabolites will not be considered for review unless they are expanded and provide mechanistic and/or physiological insights into the biological system or process being studied.
The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) produces the major components of a key cellular machine, the ribosome. Recent progress on genome sequencing, functional genomics, and proteomics has elevated studies of the regulation of rDNA expression, rDNA evolution, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing, and ribosome biogenesis to new levels and expanded our understanding of how these processes interact with environmental and stress responses in plants. The rDNA encodes four rRNAs, which are the major structural and functional components of the ribosome and constitute 65–75% of the plant cell’s total RNA; to meet cellular demand for rRNA, the rRNA coding genes are present in hundreds to thousands of copies per genome. Moreover, rRNA synthesis involves specialised transcription complexes built around RNA Polymerase I for 18S-5.8S-25S rRNAs and RNA Polymerase III for 5S rRNA and is tightly regulated by multiple internal factors and external stimuli. Because of its abundance and specific organization in evolutionarily conserved rRNA coding sequences and rapidly evolving intergenic spacer regions, the chromosomal/molecular organization and evolution of the rDNA have been intensively studied since the early days of plant molecular biology. Now, emerging research has broadened our understanding of rDNA function, evolution, and regulation.
The aim of this Research Topic is to highlight the current status of our knowledge and research about plant rDNA. The scope covers diverse modern technologies, scientific approaches, and research aimed at achieving a better understanding of the many, complex aspects of rDNA structure, regulation, evolution, and functions in plant development and adaptation. We especially welcome multidisciplinary scientific papers, Reviews, and Mini-Reviews for wider explorations of this topic.
Potential topics include, but are not limited, to:
• Genome organization of 5S and 45S rDNA clusters
• Functional organization and regulation of rDNA transcription
• rRNA processing and ribosome biogenesis
• rDNA/rRNA responses to environmental challenges
• rDNA cytogenetics and organization of the nucleolus
• rDNA molecular evolution, speciation, and taxonomy
Please note that descriptive studies, including those using 'omics approaches, defining gene families, or descriptive collections of transcripts, proteins, or metabolites will not be considered for review unless they are expanded and provide mechanistic and/or physiological insights into the biological system or process being studied.
