abstract:RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is an epigenetic process first discovered in plants (Wassenegger et al, 1994, Cell, Vol 76, 567-576). During RdDM, double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are processed to 21-24 nucleotide small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and guide methylation of homologous DNA loci.