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This commentary discusses how MORC proteins and ALKBH1 interact to influence gene regulation in rice.

February 2, 2026Journal of Integrative Plant Biology0 citationsOpen Access

MORC–ALKBH1 antagonism shapes three‐dimensional gene regulation in rice

MFMuhammad FahadZheJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences LTLeeza TariqMinistry of Agriculture FPFrédéric PontvianneCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Key Points

This commentary discusses how MORC proteins and ALKBH1 interact to influence gene regulation in rice.
Discusses the antagonistic relationship between MORC and ALKBH1.
Explores the impact of these proteins on three-dimensional chromatin structure.
Considers applications for crop improvement through epigenomic breeding.
MORC and ALKBH1 shape gene silencing and activation mechanisms at specific loci.
Insights into chromatin regulation may aid in developing stress-resilient rice varieties.

Abstract

This commentary highlights how antagonistic actions between MORC proteins and the DNA demethylase ALKBH1 shape three-dimensional chromatin organization in rice. By balancing gene silencing and activation at stress-responsive loci, this mechanism provides insights into chromatin regulation and offers potential applications for developing stress-resilient crop varieties through epigenomic breeding.

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