Self-DNA inhibitory effects: Underlying mechanisms and ecological implications. (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cartenì, Fabrizio; Bonanomi, Giuliano; Giannino, Francesco; Incerti, Guido; Vincenot, Christian Ernest; Chiusano, Maria Luisa; Mazzoleni, Stefano
• Is Part Of: Plant signaling & behavior. Volume 11:Number 4(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Autotoxicity -- extracellular DNA -- litter decomposition -- plant-soil negative feedback -- species interactions; Plant ecophysiology -- Periodicals; Plant cellular signal transduction -- Periodicals; Plant cellular signal transduction; Plant ecophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 581
• DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2016.1158381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1559-2316

Abstract

ABSTRACT: DNA is usually known as the molecule that carries the instructions necessary for cell functioning and genetic inheritance. A recent discovery reported a new functional role for extracellular DNA. After fragmentation, either by natural or artificial decomposition, small DNA molecules (between ∼50 and ∼2000 bp) exert a species specific inhibitory effect on individuals of the same species. Evidence shows that such effect occurs for a wide range of organisms, suggesting a general biological process. In this paper we explore the possible molecular mechanisms behind those findings and discuss the ecological implications, specifically those related to plant species coexistence.