Based on first results from PLAMORF and previous projects, this recent publication by Yang et al. from the Kragler lab in Current Biology points towards an essential role of cytosine methylation in systemic mRNA mobility in plants. Thousands of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are transported across graft junctions via the phloem to distinct plant parts, as potential systemic signals for development and growth. Amongst these mRNAs, modified base 5-methylcytosine (m5C) are not only significantly enriched, but in in mutants deficient in m5C mRNA methylation transport is diminished.
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