Biochemical characterization of the epigenome.

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The genetic information, which is carried by our genes and their regulatory elements, contribute to the proper development of all living organisms. Despite the importance of this genetic code, an additional layer of information is also known to be vital. In fact, epigenetic information, which is defined as heritable information that do not depend on the underlying DNA sequence, has recently surfaced as a master regulator of many biological processes. The discoveries that DNA scaffolding proteins, such as histones, could be chemically modified and that such covalent alterations could trigger specific molecular signals, have been cornerstone in unraveling a complex, intricate and new code: the histone code. Modifications of histone is now known to carry critical information vital for many molecular events including gene transcription, protein translation, DNA repair and many others. Among those covalent modifications, methylation of lysine residues is amongst the most prominent alteration of histone proteins. However, despite their critical roles in the nucleus, the mechanisms controlling histone substrates recognition and methylation by protein lysine methyltransferases (MTs) require further investigation. Our endeavors to focus on plant PKMT is also motivated by recent findings showing that plant PKMTs play pivotal roles in plant floraison and growth; raising the hope that our findings may have important impact in agriculture.