Co-localisation of functionally related but non-homologous genes in so called gene clusters is a rare yet reoccurring phenomenon in eukaryotic genomes. Gene clusters encoding essential information for development, immunity and metabolism are present in both lower and higher eukaryotes.

Recent discoveries have unveiled genetic clustering as a common feature of plant specialised metabolism and have established the genetic basis for the biosynthesis of plant-derived compounds of major nutritional and pharmacological importance. The genes within gene clusters are typically co-expressed in specific plant organs and in response to environmental triggers.

Yet, it remains unknown how the co-localisation and co-regulation of biosynthesis genes is established.

Here, I will show that clustered pathway genes are characterized by distinct chromatin signatures and embedded in spatially discrete chromosome domains. Furthermore, I will show that gene clusters are preferred integration sites for transposable elements.

Our results exemplify the complex and dynamic architecture of plant genomes and will inform novel hypotheses on plant genome evolution and regulation.

東京大学大学院理学系研究科・生物科学専攻・遺伝学研究室