Internode length in Pisum : The Le gene controls the 3β-hydroxylation of gibberellin A20 to gibberellin A 1

Reference genome sequence and population genomic analysis of peas provide insights into the genetic basis of Mendelian and other agronomic traits

Peas are essential for human nutrition and played a crucial role in the discovery of Mendelian laws of inheritance. In this study, we assembled the genome of the elite vegetable pea cultivar 'Zhewan No. 1' at the chromosome level and analyzed resequencing data from 314 accessions, creating a comprehensive map of genetic variation in peas. We identified 235 candidate loci associated with 57 important agronomic traits through genome-wide association studies. Notably, we pinpointed the causal gene haplotypes responsible for four Mendelian traits: stem length (Le/le), flower color (A/a), cotyledon color (I/i) and seed shape (R/r). Additionally, we discovered the genes controlling pod form (Mendelian P/p) and hilum color. Our study also involved constructing a gene expression atlas across 22 tissues, highlighting key gene modules related to pod and seed development. These findings provide valuable pea genomic information and will facilitate the future genome-informed improvement of pea crops.

Highlights in gibberellin research: A tale of the dwarf and the slender

It has been almost a century since biologically active gibberellin (GA) was isolated. Here, we give a historical overview of the early efforts in establishing the GA biosynthesis and catabolism pathway, characterizing the enzymes for GA metabolism, and elucidating their corresponding genes. We then highlight more recent studies that have identified the GA receptors and early GA signaling components (DELLA repressors and F-box activators), determined the molecular mechanism of DELLA-mediated transcription reprograming, and revealed how DELLAs integrate multiple signaling pathways to regulate plant vegetative and reproductive development in response to internal and external cues. Finally, we discuss the GA transporters and their roles in GA-mediated plant development.

Mendel: From genes to genome

Two hundred years after the birth of Gregor Mendel, it is an appropriate time to reflect on recent developments in the discipline of genetics, particularly advances relating to the prescient friar's model species, the garden pea (Pisum sativum L.). Mendel's study of seven characteristics established the laws of segregation and independent assortment. The genes underlying four of Mendel's loci (A, LE, I, and R) have been characterized at the molecular level for over a decade. However, the three remaining genes, influencing pod color (GP), pod form (V/P), and the position of flowers (FA/FAS), have remained elusive for a variety of reasons, including a lack of detail regarding the loci with which Mendel worked. Here, we discuss potential candidate genes for these characteristics, in light of recent advances in the genetic resources for pea. These advances, including the pea genome sequence and reverse-genetics techniques, have revitalized pea as an excellent model species for physiological-genetic studies. We also discuss the issues that have been raised with Mendel's results, such as the recent controversy regarding the discrete nature of the characters that Mendel chose and the perceived overly-good fit of his segregations to his hypotheses. We also consider the relevance of these controversies to his lasting contribution. Finally, we discuss the use of Mendel's classical results to teach and enthuse future generations of geneticists, not only regarding the core principles of the discipline, but also its history and the role of hypothesis testing.

Plant science's next top models

BACKGROUND

Model organisms are at the core of life science research. Notable examples include the mouse as a model for humans, baker's yeast for eukaryotic unicellular life and simple genetics, or the enterobacteria phage λ in virology. Plant research was an exception to this rule, with researchers relying on a variety of non-model plants until the eventual adoption of Arabidopsis thaliana as primary plant model in the 1980s. This proved to be an unprecedented success, and several secondary plant models have since been established. Currently, we are experiencing another wave of expansion in the set of plant models.

SCOPE

Since the 2000s, new model plants have been established to study numerous aspects of plant biology, such as the evolution of land plants, grasses, invasive and parasitic plant life, adaptation to environmental challenges, and the development of morphological diversity. Concurrent with the establishment of new plant models, the advent of the 'omics' era in biology has led to a resurgence of the more complex non-model plants. With this review, we introduce some of the new and fascinating plant models, outline why they are interesting subjects to study, the questions they will help to answer, and the molecular tools that have been established and are available to researchers.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying all aspects of plant biology can only be achieved with the adoption of a comprehensive set of models, each of which allows the assessment of at least one aspect of plant life. The model plants described here represent a step forward towards our goal to explore and comprehend the diversity of plant form and function. Still, several questions remain unanswered, but the constant development of novel technologies in molecular biology and bioinformatics is already paving the way for the next generation of plant models.

Genome-Wide Association Mapping for Heat Stress Responsive Traits in Field Pea

Environmental stress hampers pea productivity. To understand the genetic basis of heat resistance, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on six stress responsive traits of physiological and agronomic importance in pea, with an objective to identify the genetic loci associated with these traits. One hundred and thirty-five genetically diverse pea accessions from major pea growing areas of the world were phenotyped in field trials across five environments, under generally ambient (control) and heat stress conditions. Statistical analysis of phenotype indicated significant effects of genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E interaction for all traits. A total of 16,877 known high-quality SNPs were used for association analysis to determine marker-trait associations (MTA). We identified 32 MTAs that were consistent in at least three environments for association with the traits of stress resistance: six for chlorophyll concentration measured by a soil plant analysis development meter; two each for photochemical reflectance index and canopy temperature; seven for reproductive stem length; six for internode length; and nine for pod number. Forty-eight candidate genes were identified within 15 kb distance of these markers. The identified markers and candidate genes have potential for marker-assisted selection towards the development of heat resistant pea cultivars.

Evolution and diversification of the plant gibberellin receptor GID1

The plant gibberellin receptor GID1 shows sequence similarity to carboxylesterase, suggesting that it is derived from an enzyme. However, how GID1 evolved and was modified is unclear. We identified two amino acids that are essential for GID1 activity, and we found that adjustment of these residues caused GID1 to recognize novel GAs carrying 13-OH as active GAs and to strictly refuse inactive GAs. Phylogenetic analysis of 169 GID1s revealed seven subtypes, and the B-type in core eudicots showed unique characteristics. In fact, certain B-type GID1s showed a higher nonsynonymous-to-synonymous divergence ratio in the region determining GA affinity. Such B-type GID1s with higher affinity were preferentially expressed in the roots in some core eudicot plants and conferred adaptive growth under stress.

The plant gibberellin (GA) receptor GID1 shows sequence similarity to carboxylesterase (CXE). Here, we report the molecular evolution of GID1 from establishment to functionally diverse forms in eudicots. By introducing 18 mutagenized rice GID1s into a rice gid1 null mutant, we identified the amino acids crucial for GID1 activity in planta. We focused on two amino acids facing the C2/C3 positions of ent-gibberellane, not shared by lycophytes and euphyllophytes, and found that adjustment of these residues resulted in increased GID1 affinity toward GA₄, new acceptance of GA₁ and GA₃ carrying C13-OH as bioactive ligands, and elimination of inactive GAs. These residues rendered the GA perception system more sophisticated. We conducted phylogenetic analysis of 169 GID1s from 66 plant species and found that, unlike other taxa, nearly all eudicots contain two types of GID1, named A- and B-type. Certain B-type GID1s showed a unique evolutionary characteristic of significantly higher nonsynonymous-to-synonymous divergence in the region determining GA₄ affinity. Furthermore, these B-type GID1s were preferentially expressed in the roots of Arabidopsis, soybean, and lettuce and might be involved in root elongation without shoot elongation for adaptive growth under low-temperature stress. Based on these observations, we discuss the establishment and adaption of GID1s during plant evolution.

A Century of Gibberellin Research

Gibberellin research has its origins in Japan in the 19th century, when a disease of rice was shown to be due to a fungal infection. The symptoms of the disease including overgrowth of the seedling and sterility were later shown to be due to secretions of the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi (now reclassified as Fusarium fujikuroi), from which the name gibberellin was derived for the active component. The profound effect of gibberellins on plant growth and development, particularly growth recovery in dwarf mutants and induction of bolting and flowering in some rosette species, prompted speculation that these fungal metabolites were endogenous plant growth regulators and this was confirmed by chemical characterisation in the late 1950s. Gibberellins are now known to be present in vascular plants, and some fungal and bacterial species. The biosynthesis of gibberellins in plants and the fungus has been largely resolved in terms of the pathways, enzymes, genes and their regulation. The proposal that gibberellins act in plants by removing growth limitation was confirmed by the demonstration that they induce the degradation of the growth-inhibiting DELLA proteins. The mechanism by which this is achieved was clarified by the identification of the gibberellin receptor from rice in 2005. Current research on gibberellin action is focussed particularly on the function of DELLA proteins as regulators of gene expression. This review traces the history of gibberellin research with emphasis on the early discoveries that enabled the more recent advances in this field.

Mendel's genes: toward a full molecular characterization

The discipline of classical genetics is founded on the hereditary behavior of the seven genes studied by Gregor Mendel. The advent of molecular techniques has unveiled much about the identity of these genes. To date, four genes have been sequenced: A (flower color), LE (stem length), I (cotyledon color), and R (seed shape). Two of the other three genes, GP (pod color) and FA (fasciation), are amenable to candidate gene approaches on the basis of their function, linkage relationships, and synteny between the pea and Medicago genomes. However, even the gene (locus) identity is not known for certain for the seventh character, the pod form, although it is probably V. While the nature of the mutations used by Mendel cannot be determined with certainty, on the basis of the varieties available in Europe in the 1850s, we can speculate on their nature. It turns out that these mutations are attributable to a range of causes-from simple base substitutions and changes to splice sites to the insertion of a transposon-like element. These findings provide a fascinating connection between Mendelian genetics and molecular biology that can be used very effectively in teaching new generations of geneticists. Mendel's characters also provide novel insights into the nature of the genes responsible for characteristics of agronomic and consumer importance.

Regulation of the gibberellin pathway by auxin and DELLA proteins

The synthesis and deactivation of bioactive gibberellins (GA) are regulated by auxin and by GA signalling. The effect of GA on its own pathway is mediated by DELLA proteins. Like auxin, the DELLAs promote GA synthesis and inhibit its deactivation. Here, we investigate the relationships between auxin and DELLA regulation of the GA pathway in stems, using a pea double mutant that is deficient in DELLA proteins. In general terms our results demonstrate that auxin and DELLAs independently regulate the GA pathway, contrary to some previous suggestions. The extent to which DELLA regulation was able to counteract the effects of auxin regulation varied from gene to gene. For Mendel's LE gene (PsGA3ox1) no counteraction was observed. However, for another synthesis gene, a GA 20-oxidase, the effect of auxin was weak and in WT plants appeared to be completely over-ridden by DELLA regulation. For a key GA deactivation (2-oxidase) gene, PsGA2ox1, the up-regulation induced by auxin deficiency was reduced to some extent by DELLA regulation. A second pea 2-oxidase gene, PsGA2ox2, was up-regulated by auxin, in a DELLA-independent manner. In Arabidopsis also, one 2-oxidase gene was down-regulated by auxin while another was up-regulated. Monitoring the metabolism pattern of GA(20) showed that in Arabidopsis, as in pea, auxin can promote the accumulation of bioactive GA.

The flowering locus Hr colocalizes with a major QTL affecting winter frost tolerance in Pisum sativum L

An understanding of the genetic determinism of frost tolerance is a prerequisite for the development of frost tolerant cultivars for cold northern areas. In legumes, it is not known to which extent vernalization requirement or photoperiod responsiveness are necessary for the development of frost tolerance. In pea (Pisum sativum L.) however, the flowering locus Hr is suspected to influence winter frost tolerance by delaying floral initiation until after the main winter freezing periods have passed. The objective of this study was to dissect the genetic determinism of frost tolerance in pea by QTL analysis and to assess the genetic linkage between winter frost tolerance and the Hr locus. A population of 164 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from the cross Champagne x Terese was evaluated both in the greenhouse and in field conditions to characterize the photoperiod response from which the allele at the Hr locus was inferred. In addition, the population was also assessed for winter frost tolerance in 11 field conditions. Six QTL were detected, among which three were consistent among the different experimental conditions, confirming an oligogenic determinism of frost tolerance in pea. The Hr locus was found to be the peak marker for the highest explanatory QTL of this study. This result supports the hypothesis of the prominent part played by the photoperiod responsiveness in the determinism of frost tolerance for this species. The consistency of three QTL makes these positions interesting targets for marker-assisted selection.

Gibberellin regulation of fruit set and growth in tomato

The role of gibberellins (GAs) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit development was investigated. Two different inhibitors of GA biosynthesis (LAB 198999 and paclobutrazol) decreased fruit growth and fruit set, an effect reversed by GA(3) application. LAB 198999 reduced GA(1) and GA(8) content, but increased that of their precursors GA(53), GA(44), GA(19), and GA(20) in pollinated fruits. This supports the hypothesis that GA(1) is the active GA for tomato fruit growth. Unpollinated ovaries developed parthenocarpically in response to GA(3) > GA(1) = GA(4) > GA(20), but not to GA(19), suggesting that GA 20-oxidase activity was limiting in unpollinated ovaries. This was confirmed by analyzing the effect of pollination on transcript levels of SlCPS, SlGA20ox1, -2, and -3, and SlGA3ox1 and -2, encoding enzymes of GA biosynthesis. Pollination increased transcript content of SlGA20ox1, -2, and -3, and SlCPS, but not of SlGA3ox1 and -2. To investigate whether pollination also altered GA inactivation, full-length cDNA clones of genes encoding enzymes catalyzing GA 2-oxidases (SlGA2ox1, -2, -3, -4, and -5) were isolated and characterized. Transcript levels of these genes did not decrease early after pollination (5-d-old fruits), but transcript content reduction of all of them, mainly of SlGA2ox2, was found later (from 10 d after anthesis). We conclude that pollination mediates fruit set by activating GA biosynthesis mainly through up-regulation of GA20ox. Finally, the phylogenetic reconstruction of the GA2ox family clearly showed the existence of three gene subfamilies, and the phylogenetic position of SlGA2ox1, -2, -3, -4, and -5 was established.

Developmental and embryo axis regulation of gibberellin biosynthesis during germination and young seedling growth of pea

The expression patterns of five genes (PsGA20ox1, PsGA20ox2, PsGA3ox1, PsGA2ox1, and PsGA2ox2) encoding five regulatory gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis enzymes (two GA 20-oxidases, a GA 3beta-hydroxylase, and two GA 2beta-hydroxylases) were examined to gain insight into how these genes coordinate GA biosynthesis during germination and early postgermination stages of the large-seeded dicotyledonous plant pea (Pisum sativum). At the time the developing embryo fills the seed coat, high mRNA levels of PsGA20ox2 (primarily responsible for conversion of C20-GAs to GA(20)), PsGA2ox1 (primarily responsible for conversion of GA(20) to GA(29)), and PsGA2ox2 (primarily responsible for conversion of GA(1) to GA(8)) were detected in the seeds, along with high GA(20) and GA(29) levels, the enzymatic products of these genes. Embryo maturation was accompanied by a large reduction in PsGA20ox2 and PsGA2ox1 mRNA and lower GA(20) and GA(29) levels. However, PsGA2ox2 transcripts remained high. Following seed imbibition, GA(20) levels in the cotyledons decreased, while PsGA3ox1 mRNA and GA(1) levels increased, implying that GA(20) was being used for de novo synthesis of GA(1). The presence of the embryo axis was required for stimulation of cotyledonary GA(1) synthesis at the mRNA and enzyme activity levels. As the embryo axis doubled in size, PsGA20ox1 and PsGA3ox1 transcripts increased, both GA(1) and GA(8) were detectable, PsGA2ox2 transcripts decreased, and PsGA2ox1 transcripts remained low. Cotyledonary-, root-, and shoot-specific expression of these GA biosynthesis genes and the resultant endogenous GA profiles support a key role for de novo GA biosynthesis in each organ during germination and early seedling growth of pea.

Thermoperiodic stem elongation involves transcriptional regulation of gibberellin deactivation in pea

The physiological basis of thermoperiodic stem elongation is as yet poorly understood. Thermoperiodic control of gibberellin (GA) metabolism has been suggested as an underlying mechanism. We have investigated the influence of different day and night temperature combinations on GA levels, and diurnal steady-state expression of genes involved in GA biosynthesis (LS, LH, NA, PSGA20ox1, and PsGA3ox1) and GA deactivation (PsGA2ox1 and PsGA2ox2), and related this to diurnal stem elongation in pea (Pisum sativum L. cv Torsdag). The plants were grown under a 12-h light period with an average temperature of 17 degrees C. A day temperature/night temperature combination of 13 degrees C/21 degrees C reduced stem elongation after 12 d by 30% as compared to 21 degrees C/13 degrees C. This was correlated with a 55% reduction of GA1. Although plant height correlated with GA1 content, there was no correlation between diurnal growth rhythms and GA1 content. NA, PsGA20ox1, and PsGA2ox2 showed diurnal rhythms of expression. PsGA2ox2 was up-regulated in 13 degrees C/21 degrees C (compared to 21 degrees C/13 degrees C), at certain time points, by up to 19-fold. Relative to PsGA2ox2, the expression of LS, LH, NA, PSGA20ox1, PsGA3ox1, and PsGA2ox1 was not or only slightly affected by the different temperature treatments. The sln mutant having a nonfunctional PsGA2ox1 gene product showed the same relative stem elongation response to temperature as the wild type. This supports the importance of PsGA2ox2 in mediating thermoperiodic stem elongation responses in pea. We present evidence for an important role of GA catabolism in thermoperiodic effect on stem elongation and conclude that PsGA2ox2 is the main mediator of this effect in pea.

Gibberellin metabolism and signaling

Gibberellins (GAs) are a family of plant hormones controlling many aspects of plant growth and development including stem elongation, germination, and the transition from vegetative growth to flowering. Cloning of the genes encoding GA biosynthetic and inactivating enzymes has led to numerous insights into the developmental regulation of GA hormone accumulation that is subject to both positive and negative feedback regulation. Genetic and biochemical analysis of GA-signaling genes has revealed that posttranslational regulation of DELLA protein accumulation is a key control point in GA response. The highly conserved DELLA proteins are a family of negative regulators of GA signaling that appear subject to GA-stimulated degradation through the ubiquitin-26S proteasome pathway. This review discusses the regulation of GA hormone accumulation and signaling in the context of its role in plant growth and development.

The pea gene LH encodes ent-kaurene oxidase

The pea (Pisum sativum) homolog, PsKO1, of the Arabidopsis GA3 gene was isolated. It codes for a cytochrome P450 from the CYP701A subfamily and has ent-kaurene oxidase (KO) activity, catalyzing the three step oxidation of ent-kaurene to ent-kaurenoic acid in the gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic pathway when expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). PsKO1 is encoded by the LH gene because in three independent mutant alleles, lh-1, lh-2, and lh-3, PsKO1 has altered sequence, and the lh-1 allele, when expressed in yeast, failed to metabolize ent-kaurene. The lh mutants of pea are GA deficient and have reduced internode elongation and root growth. One mutant (lh-2) also causes a large increase in seed abortion. PsKO1 (LH) is expressed in all tissues examined, including stems, roots, and seeds, and appears to be a single-copy gene. Differences in sensitivity to the GA synthesis inhibitor, paclobutrazol, between the mutants appear to result from the distinct nature of the genetic lesions. These differences may also explain the tissue-specific differences between the mutants.

The pea gene NA encodes ent-kaurenoic acid oxidase

The gibberellin (GA)-deficient dwarf na mutant in pea (Pisum sativum) has severely reduced internode elongation, reduced root growth, and decreased leaflet size. However, the seeds develop normally. Two genes, PsKAO1 and PsKAO2, encoding cytochrome P450 monooxygenases of the subfamily CYP88A were isolated. Both PsKAO1 and PsKAO2 had ent-kaurenoic acid oxidase (KAO) activity, catalyzing the three steps of the GA biosynthetic pathway from ent-kaurenoic acid to GA(12) when expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). In addition to the intermediates ent-7alpha-hydroxykaurenoic acid and GA(12)-aldehyde, some additional products of the pea KAO activity were detected, including ent-6alpha,7alpha-dihydroxykaurenoic acid and 7beta-hydroxykaurenolide. The NA gene encodes PsKAO1, because in two independent mutant alleles, na-1 and na-2, PsKAO1 had altered sequences and the five-base deletion in PsKAO1 associated with the na-1 allele cosegregated with the dwarf na phenotype. PsKAO1 was expressed in the stem, apical bud, leaf, pod, and root, organs in which GA levels have previously been shown to be reduced in na plants. PsKAO2 was expressed only in seeds and this may explain the normal seed development and normal GA biosynthesis in seeds of na plants.

Hormone physiology of pea mutants prevented from flowering by mutations gi or veg1

The veg1 (vegetative) mutant in pea (Pisum sativum L.) does not flower under any circumstances and gi (gigas) mutants remain vegetative under certain conditions. gi plants are deficient in production of floral stimulus, whereas veg1 plants lack a response to floral stimulus. During long days in particular, these non-flowering mutant plants eventually enter a stable compact phase characterised by a large reduction in internode length, small leaves and growth of lateral shoots from the upper-stem (aerial) nodes. The first-order laterals in turn produce second-order laterals and so on in a reiterative pattern. The apical bud is reduced in size but continues active growth. Endogenous hormone measurements and gibberellin application studies with gi-1, gi-2 and veg1 plants indicate that a reduction in gibberellin and perhaps indole-3-acetic acid level may account, at least partially, for the compact aerial shoot phenotype. In the gi-1 mutant, the compact phenotype is rescued by transfer from a 24- to an 8-h photoperiod. We propose that in plants where flowering is prevented by a lack of floral stimulus or an inability to respond, the large reduction in photoperiod gene activity during long days may lead to a reduction in apical sink strength that is manifest in an altered hormone profile and weak apical dominance.

Cloning and functional analysis of two gibberellin 3 beta -hydroxylase genes that are differently expressed during the growth of rice

We have cloned two gibberellin (GA) 3 beta-hydroxylase genes, OsGA3ox1 and OsGA3ox2, from rice by screening a genomic library with a DNA fragment obtained by PCR using degenerate primers. We have used full-scan GC-MS and Kovats retention indices to show function for the two encoded recombinant fusion proteins. Both proteins show 3 beta-hydroxylase activity for the steps GA(20) to GA(1), GA(5) to GA(3), GA(44) to GA(38), and GA(9) to GA(4). In addition, indirect evidence suggests that the OsGA3ox1 protein also has 2,3-desaturase activity, which catalyzes the steps GA(9) to 2,3-dehydro-GA(9) and GA(20) to GA(5) (2,3-dehydro GA(20)), and 2 beta-hydroxylase activity, which catalyzes the steps GA(1) to GA(8) and GA(4) to GA(34). Molecular and linkage analysis maps the OsGA3ox1 gene to the distal end of the short arm of chromosome 5; the OsGA3ox2 gene maps to the distal end of the short arm of chromosome 1 that corresponds to the D18 locus. The association of the OsGA3ox2 gene with the d18 locus is confirmed by sequence and complementation analysis of three d18 alleles. Complementation of the d18-AD allele with the OxGA3ox2 gene results in transgenic plants with a normal phenotype. Although both genes show transient expression, the highest level for OsGA3ox1 is from unopened flower. The highest level for OsGA3ox2 is from elongating leaves.

Azospirillum spp. metabolize [17,17-2H2]gibberellin A20 to [17,17-2H2]gibberellin A1 in vivo in dy rice mutant seedlings

Azospirillum spp. are endophytic bacteria with beneficial effects on cereals--effects partially attributed to gibberellin production by the microorganisms. Azospirillum lipoferum and Azospirillum brasilense inoculated to rice dy mutant reversed dwarfism in seedlings incubated with [17,17-2H2]GA20 with formation of [17,17-2H2]GA1, showing the in vivo capacity to perform the 3beta-hydroxylation. When prohexadione-Ca, an inhibitor of late steps in gibberellin biosynthesis, was added to the culture medium, no complementation was observed and no [17,17-2H2]GA1 was produced. The latter suggests that the bacterial operating enzyme may be a 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase, similar to those of plants.

Gibberellin biosynthesis mutations and root development in pea

Dwarf mutants of pea (Pisum sativum), with impaired gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis in the shoot, were studied to determine whether the roots of these genotypes had altered elongation and GA levels. Mutations na, lh-2, and ls-1 reduced GA levels in root tips and taproot elongation, although in lh-2 and ls-1 roots the reduction in elongation was small (less than 15%). The na mutation reduced taproot length by about 50%. The roots of na plants elongated in response to applied GA(1) and recombining na with mutation sln (which blocks GA catabolism) increased GA(1) levels in root tips and completely restored normal root development. In shoots, Mendel's le-1 mutation impairs the 3beta-hydroxylation of GA(20) to the bioactive GA(1), resulting in dwarfism. However, GA(1) and GA(20) levels were normal in le-1 roots, as was root development. The null mutation le-2 also did not reduce root GA levels or elongation. The results support the theory that GAs are important for normal root elongation in pea, and indicate that a 3beta-hydroxylase gene other than LE operates in pea roots.

Changes in gibberellin A(1) levels and response during de-etiolation of pea seedlings

The level of gibberellin A(1) (GA(1)) in shoots of pea (Pisum sativum) dropped rapidly during the first 24 h of de-etiolation. The level then increased between 1 and 5 d after transfer to white light. Comparison of the metabolism of [(13)C(3)H] GA(20) suggested that the initial drop in GA(1) after transfer is mediated by a light-induced increase in the 2beta-hydroxylation of GA(1) to GA(8). A comparison of the elongation response to GA(1) at early and late stages of de-etiolation provided strong evidence for a change in GA(1) response during de-etiolation, coinciding with the return of GA(1) levels to the normal, homeostatic levels found in light- and dark-grown plants. The emerging picture of the control of shoot elongation by light involves an initial inhibition of elongation by a light-induced decrease in GA(1) levels, with continued inhibition mediated by a light-induced change in the plant's response to the endogenous level of GA(1). Hence the plant uses a change in hormone level to respond to a change in the environment, but over time, homeostasis returns the level of the hormone to normal once the ongoing change in environment is accommodated by a change in the response of the plant to the hormone.

Evidence that auxin promotes gibberellin A1 biosynthesis in pea

In shoots of the garden pea, the bioactive gibberellin (GA1) is synthesised from GA20, and the enzyme which catalyses this step (a GA 3-oxidase -- PsGA3ox1) is encoded by Mendel's LE gene. It has been reported previously that decapitation of the shoot (excision of the apical bud) dramatically reduces the conversion of [3H]GA20 to [3H]GA1 in stems, and here we show that endogenous GA1 and PsGA3ox1 transcript levels are similarly reduced. We show also that these effects of decapitation are completely reversed by application of the auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) to the 'stump' of decapitated plants. Gibberellin A20 is also converted to an inactive product, GA29, and this step is catalysed by a GA 2-oxidase, PsGA2ox1. In contrast to PsGA3ox1, PsGA2ox1 transcript levels were increased by decapitation and reduced by IAA application. Decapitation and IAA treatment did not markedly affect the level of GA1 precursors. It is suggested that in intact pea plants, auxin from the apical bud moves into the elongating internodes where it (directly or indirectly) maintains PsGA3ox1 transcript levels and, consequently, GA1 biosynthesis.

The SLENDER gene of pea encodes a gibberellin 2-oxidase

The amount of active gibberellin (GA) in plant tissues is determined in part by its rate of catabolism through oxidation at C-2. In pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds, GA 2-oxidation is controlled by the SLN (SLENDER) gene, a mutation of which produces seedlings characterized by a slender or hyper-elongated phenotype. We cloned a GA 2-oxidase cDNA from immature pea seeds by screening an expression library for enzyme activity. The clone contained a full-length open reading frame encoding a protein of 327 amino acids. Lysate of bacterial cultures expressing the protein converted the C(19)-GAs, GA(1), GA(4), GA(9), and GA(20) to the corresponding 2beta-hydroxy products. GA(9) and GA(20) were also converted to GA(51) and GA(29) catabolites, respectively. The gene appeared to be one member of a small family of GA 2-oxidases in pea. Transcript was found predominantly in roots, flowers, young fruits, and testae of seeds. The corresponding transcript from sln pea contained a point mutation and did not produce active enzyme when expressed heterologously. RFLP analysis of a seedling population segregating for SLN and sln alleles showed the homozygous mutant allele co-segregating with the characteristic slender phenotype. We conclude that SLN encodes GA 2-oxidase.

Mendel's dwarfing gene: cDNAs from the Le alleles and function of the expressed proteins

The major gibberellin (GA) controlling stem elongation in pea (Pisum sativum L.) is GA1, which is formed from GA20 by 3beta-hydroxylation. This step, which limits GA1 biosynthesis in pea, is controlled by the Le locus, one of the original Mendelian loci. Mutations in this locus result in dwarfism. We have isolated cDNAs encoding a GA 3beta-hydroxylase from lines of pea carrying the Le, le, le-3, and led alleles. The cDNA sequences from le and le-3 each contain a base substitution resulting in single amino acid changes relative to the sequence from Le. The cDNA sequence from led, a mutant derived from an le line, contains both the le "mutation" and a single-base deletion, which causes a shift in reading frame and presumably a null mutation. cDNAs from each line were expressed in Escherichia coli. The expression product for the clone from Le converted GA9 to GA4, and GA20 to GA1, with Km values of 1.5 microM and 13 microM, respectively. The amino acid substitution in the clone from le increased Km for GA9 100-fold and reduced conversion of GA20 to almost nil. Expression products from le and le-3 possessed similar levels of 3beta-hydroxylase activity, and the expression product from led was inactive. Our results suggest that the 3beta-hydroxylase cDNA is encoded by Le. Le transcript is expressed in roots, shoots, and cotyledons of germinating pea seedlings, in internodes and leaves of established seedlings, and in developing seeds.

GIBBERELLIN BIOSYNTHESIS: Enzymes, Genes and Their Regulation

The recent impressive progress in research on gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis has resulted primarily from cloning of genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes and studies with GA-deficient and GA-insensitive mutants. Highlights include the cloning of ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase and ent-kaurene synthase (formally ent-kaurene synthases A and B) and the demonstration that the former is targeted to the plastid; the finding that the Dwarf-3 gene of maize encodes a cytochrome P450, although of unknown function; and the cloning of GA 20-oxidase and 3beta-hydroxylase genes. The availability of cDNA and genomic clones for these enzymes is enabling the mechanisms by which GA concentrations are regulated by environmental and endogenous factors to be studied at the molecular level. For example, it has been shown that transcript levels for GA 20-oxidase and 3beta-hydroxylase are subject to feedback regulation by GA action and, in the case of the GA 20-oxidase, are regulated by light. Also discussed is other new information, particularly from mutants, that has added to our understanding of the biosynthetic pathway, the enzymes, and their regulation and tissue localization.

The genetic basis of plant form

Plant architecture is relevant to a number of questions in population biology because it affects the number, size, and fecundity of individuals. Architectural differences in wild plants have frequently been described and are presumed to have a genetic basis because the differences are maintained when the plants are grown in uniform gardens, but little genetic research has been done. Studies in crop plants, however, provide substantial information about how plant form can be genetically manipulated. They show that the architecture of many crops has been successfully modified by making a small number of genetic substitutions that affect shoot length, flowering node, branch presence and orientation, habit, and growth determinacy. The changes occur at the level of metamers (leaf-axillary bud-internode) and become multiplied by iteration into the characteristic architecture of the plant. Metamer growth and iteration are tightly coordinated by genetic factors that operate at the level of the whole plant. Evidence supporting this hypothesis includes single gene control of coordinated changes among successive internodes, genetic control of production of metabolites or signals that move from mature tissues to shoot growing points, and allometries connecting organs arising from the same meristem. Since different plant architectures are associated with differences in fitness, information on the genetic basis of the morphological and physiological characters that cause the architectural differences will elucidate how fitness characters evolve.

Indole-3-acetic acid levels after phytochrome-mediated changes in the stem elongation rate of dark- and light-grown Pisum seedlings

The effect of red (R) and far-red (FR) light on stem elongation and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels was examined in dwarf and tall Pisum sativum L. seedlings. Red light reduced the extension-growth rate of etiolated seedlings by 70-90% after 3 h, and this inhibition was reversible by FR. Inhibition occurred throughout the growing zone. After 3 h of R, the level of extractable IAA in whole stem sections from the growing zone of etiolated plants either increased or showed no change. By contrast, extractable IAA from epidermal peels consistently decreased 3 h after R treatments. Decreases of 40% were observed for epidermal peels from the top 1 cm of tall plants receiving 3 h R. Brief R treatments resulted in smaller decreases in epidermal IAA levels and these decreases were not as great when FR followed R. In lightgrown plants, end-of-day FR stimulated growth during the following dark period in a photoreversible manner. The uppermost 1 cm of expanding third internodes was most responsive to the FR. Extractable IAA from epidermal peels from the upper 1 cm of third internodes increased by 30% or more 5 h after FR. When R followed the FR the increases were smaller. Levels of IAA in whole stem sections did not change and were twofold greater than in dark-grown plants. In both dark- and light-grown tall plants, IAA levels were lower in epidermal peels than in whole stem segments. These results provide evidence that IAA is compartmentalized at the tissue level within the growing stem and that phytochrome regulation of stem elongation rates may be partly based on modulating the level of IAA within the epidermis.

Metabolism of [1,2-(3)H]gibberellin A 4 by epicotyls and cell-free preparations from Phaseolus coccineus L. seedlings

Cell-free systems were prepared from germinating seed and seedlings of Phaseolus coccineus. Gibberellin A4 (GA4)-metabolising activity was detected in vitro using preparations from roots, shoots and cotyledons of germinating seed, but only up to 24 h after imbibition. Cell-free preparations from cotyledons converted [(3)H]GA4 to GA1, GA34, GA4-glucosyl ester and a putative O-glucoside of GA34, and, in addition converted [(3)H]GA1 to GA8. Preparations from embryo tissues contained 2β-hydroxylase activity, converting [(3)H]GA4 to GA34 and [(3)H]GA1 to GA8.The presence of GA-metabolising enzymes was also indicated by in-vivo feeds of [(3)H]GA4 to epicotyls of intact 4-d-old seedlings, which resulted in the accumulation of GA1, GA8, GA3-3-O-glucoside, GA4-glucosyl ester, GA8-2-O-glucoside and a putative O-glucoside of GA34. Gibberellin A1 was the first metabolite detected, 15 min after application of [(3)H]GA4, but after 24 h most of the label was associated with GA8-2-O-glucoside. Over 90% of the recovered radioactivity was found in the shoot. Within the shoot, movement was preferentially acropetal, and was not dependent upon metabolism of the applied [(3)H]GA4.

Enzymes from seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris L.: Hydroxylation of gibberellins A20 and A 1 and 2,3-dehydrogenation of gibberellin A 20

A time-course study is described relating the enzyme activities for GA20 metabolism with seed development in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Enzyme activity for the 3β-hydroxylation of GA20 to GA1, and for the 2,3-desaturation of GA20 to GA5, was confined to the cotyledons and showed maximal specific activity at 21 d after anthesis. These enzyme activities co-occurred, together with a much lower level of activity for the 2β-hydroxylation of GA20 to GA29. The observed rates of GA1, GA5 and GA29 formation from GA20 were constant under a range of incubation conditions. Enzyme activity for the conversion of GA1 to GA8 was detected only in embryos of seed from 40 d after anthesis. By deuterium-labelling and analysis of the products by gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring it was shown that 2β-hydroxylation of GA1 to GA8 and 3β-hydroxylation of GA20 to GA1 occur with retention of configuration and that the conversion of GA20 to GA5 occurs with loss of the 2β- and 3β-hydrogens. These results establish that GA1 is not formed from GA20 via GA5.

The source of gibberellins in the parthenocarpic development of ovaries on topped pea plants

The role and source of gibberellins (GAs) involved in the development of parthenocarpic fruits of Pisum sativum L. has been investigated. Gibberellins applied to the leaf adjacent to an emasculated ovary induced parthenocarpic fruit development on intact plants. The application of gibberellic acid (GA3) had to be done within 1 d of anthesis to be fully effective and the response was concentration-dependent. Gibberellin A1 and GA3 worked equally well and GA20 was less efficient. [(3)H]Gibberellin A1 applied to the leaf accumulated in the ovary and the accumulation was related to the growth response. These experiments show that GA applied to the leaf in high enough concentration is translocated to the ovary. Emasculated ovaries on decapitated pea plants develop without application of growth hormones. When [(3)H] GA1 was applied to the leaf adjacent to the ovary a substantial amount of radioactivity accumulated in the growing shoot of intact plants. In decapitated plants, however, this radioactivity was mainly found in the ovary. There it caused growth proportional to the accumulation of CA1. Application of LAB 150978, an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis, to decapitated plants inhibited parthenocarpic fruit development and this inhibition was counteracted by the application of GA3 (either to the fruit, or the leaf adjacent to the ovary, or through the lower cut end of the stem). All evidence taken together supports the view that parthenocarpic pea fruit development on topped plants depends on the import of gibberellins or their precursors, probably from the vegetative aerial parts of the plant.

Hormonal regulation of gene expression in the "slender" mutant of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The "slender" mutant of barley resembles a normal barley plant treated with high doses of gibberellic acid (GA3). Expression of GA3-regulated and abscisic acid (ABA)-regulated mRNAs was studied in the endosperm and roots of mutant and wild-type (WT) plants.Production of α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) by WT embryoless half-grains was dependent on the presence of GA3, and was prevented by ABA. In contrast, α-amylase was produced by half-grains of the slender mutant in the absence of added GA3, although it was still reduced by ABA. The spectrum of α-amylase mRNAs in "slender" embryoless half-grains incubated in the absence of added GA3 was the same as in WT endosperm half-grains incubated in the presence of GA3. These results indicate that the endosperm of the slender mutant exhibits similar properties to WT endosperm treated with GA3.In roots the expression of an ABA-inducible mRNA was similar in slender and WT seedlings either treated with exogenous ABA or exposed to dehydration. This result, and the effect of ABA on α-amylase production by the endosperm, indicate that the slender plants retain sensitivity to ABA.

Gibberellins in developing fruits of Pisum sativum cv. Alaska: Studies on their role in pod growth and seed development

Gibberellins A1, A8, A20 and A29 were identified by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the pods and seeds from 5-d-old pollinated ovaries of pea (Pisum sativum cv. Alaska). These gibberellins were also identified in 4-d-old non-developing, parthenocarpic and pollinated ovaries. The level of gibberellin A1 within these ovary types was correlated with pod size. Gibberellin A1, applied to emasculated ovaries cultured in vitro, was three to five times more active than gibberellin A20. Using pollinated ovary explants cultured in vitro, the effects of inhibitors of gibberellin biosynthesis on pod growth and seed development were examined. The inhibitors retarded pod growth during the first 7 d after anthesis, and this inhibition was reversed by simultaneous application of gibberellin A3. In contrast, the inhibitors, when supplied to 4-d-old pollinated ovaries for 16 d, had little effect on seed fresh weight although they reduced the levels of endogenous gibberellins A20 and A29 in the enlarging seeds to almost zero. Paclobutrazol, which was one of the inhibitors used, is xylem-mobile and it efficiently reduced the level of seed gibberellins without being taken up into the seed. In intact fruits the pod may therefore be a source of precursors for gibberellin biosynthesis in the seed. Overall, the results indicate that gibberellin A1, present in parthenocarpic and pollinated fruits early in development, regulates pod growth. In contrast the high levels of gibberellins A20 and A29, which accumulate during seed enlargement, appear to be unnecessary for normal seed development or for subsequent germination.

The quantitative relationship between gibberellin A1 and internode growth in Pisum sativum L

The metabolism and growth-promoting activity of gibberellin A20 (GA20) were compared in the internode-length genotypes of pea, na le and na Le. Gibberellin A29 and GA29-catabolite were the major metabolites of GA20 in the genotype na le. However, low levels of GA1, GA8 and GA8-catabolite were also identified as metabolites in this genotype, confirming that the le allele is a 'leaky' mutation. Gibberellin A20 was approximately 20 to 30 times as active in promoting internode growth of genotype na Le as of genotype na le. However, the levels of the 3β-hydroxylated metabolite of GA20, GA8 (2β-hydroxy GA1), were similar for a given growth response in both genotypes. In each case a close linear relationship was observed between internode growth and the logarithm of GA8 levels. A similar relationship was found on comparing GA20 metabolism in the three genotypes le (d), le and Le. The former mutation results in a more severe dwarf phenotype than the le allele (which has previously been shown to reduce the 3β-hydroxylation of GA20 to GA1). These results indicate that GA20 has negligible intrinsic activity and support the contention that GA1 is the only GA active per se in promoting stem growth in pea.

Gibberellins in dark- and red-light-grown shoots of dwarf and tall cultivars of Pisum sativum: The quantification, metabolism and biological activity of gibberellins in Progress no. 9 and Alaska

The stem growth in darkness or in continuous red light of two pea cultivars, Alaska (Le Le, tall) and Progress No. 9 (le le, dwarf), was measured for 13 d. The lengths of the first three internodes in dark-grown seedlings of the two cultivars were similar, substantiating previous literature reports that Progress No. 9 has a tall phenotype in the dark. The biological activity of gibberellin A20 (GA20), which is normally inactive in le le geno-types, was compared in darkness and in red light. Alaska seedlings, regardless of growing conditions, responded to GA20. Dark-grown seedlings of Progress No. 9 also responded to GA20, although red-light-grown seedlings did not. Gibberellin A1 was active in both cultivars, in both darkness and red light. The metabolism of [(13)C(3)H]GA20 has also been studied. In dark-grown shoots of Alaska and Progress No. 9 [(13)C(3)H]GA20 is converted to [(13)C(3)H]GA1, [(13)C(3)H]GA8, [(13)C]GA29, its 2α-epimer, and [(13)C(3)H]GA29-catabolite. [(13)C(3)H] Gibberellin A1 was a minor product which appeared to be rapidly turned over, so that in some feeds only its metabolite, [(13)C(3)H]GA8, was detected. However results do indicate that the tall growth habit of Progress No. 9 in the dark, and its ability to respond to GA20 in the dark may be related to its capacity to 3β-hydroxylate GA20 to give GA1. In red light the overall metabolism of [(13)C(3)H]GA20 was reduced in both cultivars. There is some evidence that 3β-hydroxylation of [(13)C(3)H]GA20 can occur in red light-grown Alaska seedlings, but no 3β-hydroxylated metabolites of [(13)C(3)H]GA20 were observed in red light-grown Progress. Thus the dwarf habit of Progress No. 9 in red light and its inability to respond to GA20 may be related, as in other dwarf genotypes, to its inability to 3β-hydroxylate GA20 to GA1. However identification and quantification of native GAs in both cultivars showed that red-light-grown Progress does contain native GA1. Thus the inability of red light-grown Progress No. 9 seedlings to respond to, and to 3β-hydroxylate, applied GA20 may be due to an effect of red light on uptake and compartmentation of GAs.

Partial isotope fractionation during high-performance liquid chromatography of deuterium-labelled internal standards in plant hormone analysis: A cautionary note

Deuterium-labelled indole-3-acetic acid, abscisic acid and phthalimido-1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were found to separate from the unlabelled compounds on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A similar separation was found for the methyl esters of these compounds on normal-phase HPLC. Such separations may lead to substantial errors when these compounds are used as internal standards for quantitation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/selective ion detection, unless the complete chromatographic peaks are collected.

The partial purification and characterisation of gibberellin 2β-hydroxylases from seeds of Pisum sativum

The gibberellin (GA) 2β-hydroxylases in mature and immature seeds of Pisum sativum have been partially purified and characterised. The enzymes are unstable when stored below pH 7.0 or in the absence of a thiol reagent. The optimum assay pH is between 7.4 and 7.8 and activity is dependent upon the presence of α-ketoglutarate, Fe(2+) and ascorbate. The 2β-hydroxylase activities for GA1, GA4, GA9 and GA20 are chromatographically inseparable and correspond to a protein of Mr 44000. The rate of GA 2β-hydroxylation varies according to substrate and some evidence indicates that the 2β-hydroxylase activities for GA1 and GA4 and for GA9 and GA20 may reside in different proteins. During pea seed maturation, the specific activity of the enzyme(s) increases dramatically and reaches a maximum at a time when endogenous GA9, GA20, GA29 and GA51 are also at their greatest concentration. This correlation is not the result of substrate induction of enzyme activity. Since the GA 2β-hydroxylases operate at maximal rate at low substrate concentrations they are incapable of rapidly 2β-hydroxylating excessive quantities of (exogenously applied) GA1 or GA20. On the basis of the kinetic parameters of the GA 2β-hydroxylase activities, a generalised model is discussed for the control of the steady-state levels of bioactive hormone under normal physiological conditions.

Conversion of [(14)C]gibberellin A 12-aldehyde to C 19- and C 20-gibberellins in a cell-free system from immature seed of Phaseolus coccineus L

A cell-free system prepared from developing seed of runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) converted [(14)C]gibberellin A12-aldehyde to several products. Thirteen of these were identified by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as gibberellin A1 (GA1), GA4, GA5, GA6, GA15, GA17, GA19, GA20, GA24, GA37, GA38, GA44 and GA53-aldehyde, all giving mass spectra with (14)C-isotope peaks. GA8 and GA28 were also identified but contained no (14)C. All the [(14)C]GA12-aldehyde metabolites, except GA15, GA24 and GA53-aldehyde, are known endogenous GAs of P. coccineus.

Internode length in Pisum sativum L. The kinetics of growth and [(3)H]gibberellin A 20 metabolism in genotype na Le

The relationship between shoot growth and [(3)H]gibberellin A20 (GA20) metabolism was investigated in the GA-deficient genotype of peas, na Le. [17-(13)C, (3)H2]gibberellin A20 was applied to the shoot apex and its metabolic fate examined by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of extracts of the shoot and root tissues. As reported before, [(13)C, (3)H2]GA1, [(13)C, (3)H2]GA8 and [(13)C, (3)H2]GA29 constituted the major metabolites of [(13)C, (3)H2]GA20 present in the shoot. None of these GAs showed any dilution by endogenous (12)C-material. [(13)C, (3)H2]GA29-catabolite was also a prominent metabolite in the shoot tissue but showed pronounced isotope dilution probably due to carry-over of endogenous [(12)C]GA29-catabolite from the mature seed. In marked contrast to the shoot tissue, the two major metabolites present in the roots were identified as [(13)C, (3)H2]GA8-catabolite and [(13)C, (3)H2]GA29-catabolite. Both of these compounds showed strong dilution by endogenous (12)C-material. Only low levels of [(13)C, (3)H2]GA1, [(13)C, (3)H2]GA8, [(13)C, (3)H2]GA20 and [(13)C, (3)H2]GA29 accumulated in the roots. It is suggested that compartmentation of GA-catabolism may occur in the root tissue in an analogous manner to that shown in the testa of developing seeds. Changes in the levels of [1β,3α-(3)H2]GA20 metabolites over 10 d following application of the substrate to the shoot apex of genotype na Le confirmed the accumulation of [(3)H]GA-catabolites in the root tissues. No evidence was obtained for catabolic loss of [(3)H]GA20 by complete oxidation or conversion to a methanol-inextractable form. The results indicate that the root system may play an important role in the regulation of biologically active GA levels in the developing shoot of Na genotypes of peas.