R. J. Schmitz

Unusual predominance of maintenance DNA methylation in Spirodela polyrhiza

This study shows that Spirodela polyrhiza maintains CG and CHG DNA methylation at repeats without the RdDM pathway or small RNAs, despite losing key methylation genes.

Evolution of plant cell-type-specific cis-regulatory elements

The paper constructs a single-cell chromatin accessibility atlas in rice and compares it across grass species to study the evolution of cell-type-specific cis-regulatory elements.

Dynamic evolution of the heterochromatin sensing histone demethylase IBM1

This study investigates the evolution of IBM1, an H3K9 demethylase, in flowering plants, showing its role in regulating gene body methylation and its dynamic evolution across species.

Investigating the cis-Regulatory Basis of C3 and C4 Photosynthesis in Grasses at Single-Cell Resolution

This study uses single-cell ATAC-seq to analyze cis-regulatory elements in C4 photosynthesis across grass species, revealing cell-type-specific chromatin accessibility patterns and evolutionary dynamics.

An evolutionary epigenetic clock in plants

This paper introduces an epigenetic clock based on stochastic DNA methylation changes in plants, enabling high-resolution temporal analysis of phylogenetic relationships.

Multiplex knockout of trichome-regulating MYB duplicates in hybrid poplar using a single gRNA

A single gRNA targeting conserved sequences enabled efficient mutagenesis of a multigene family, resulting in trichomeless and triterpene-free poplar mutants.

Stability of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility in structurally diverse maize genomes

The paper assesses chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation in four structurally diverse maize genomes, revealing conservation of features with dynamic boundaries in unmethylated regions.

The essential role of Dnmt1 in gametogenesis in the large milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus

This study shows that Dnmt1 is essential for gametogenesis in Oncopeltus fasciatus, affecting meiosis and fertility, but not required in somatic cells.

Cis-regulatory elements within TEs can influence expression of nearby maize genes

The paper identifies TE insertions that influence gene expression in maize by disrupting or carrying accessible chromatin regions, showing TEs can create novel regulatory elements.

More than DNA methylation: does pleiotropy drive the complex pattern of evolution of Dnmt1?

This study shows that DNMT1 has roles beyond DNA methylation in gamete formation, challenging previous assumptions about its function and evolution in insects.

Identification of a Novel Base J Binding Protein Complex Involved in RNA Polymerase II Transcription Termination in Trypanosomes

This study identifies a novel J-binding protein complex involved in RNA Polymerase II transcription termination in trypanosomes, linking base J modification to termination regulation.

TET-mediated epimutagenesis of the Arabidopsis thaliana methylome

This paper introduces a method to generate DNA methylation variation in Arabidopsis thaliana by expressing a human TET enzyme, leading to hypomethylation and phenotypic changes.

The evolution of CHROMOMETHYLASES and gene body DNA methylation in plants

This study investigates the evolution of CHROMOMETHYLASES and gene body DNA methylation across plants using transcriptomes and methylomes.