A genetic screen for leaf movement mutants identifies a potential role for AGAMOUS-LIKE 6 (AGL6) in circadian-clock control

An Overview on MADS Box Members in Plants: A Meta-Review

Most of the studied MADS box members are linked to flowering and fruit traits. However, higher volumes of studies on type II of the two types so far suggest that the florigenic effect of the gene members could just be the tip of the iceberg. In the current study, we used a systematic approach to obtain a general overview of the MADS box members' cross-trait and multifactor associations, and their pleiotropic potentials, based on a manually curated local reference database. While doing so, we screened for the co-occurrence of terms of interest within the title or abstract of each reference, with a threshold of three hits. The analysis results showed that our approach can retrieve multi-faceted information on the subject of study (MADS box gene members in the current case), which could otherwise have been skewed depending on the authors' expertise and/or volume of the literature reference base. Overall, our study discusses the roles of MADS box members in association with plant organs and trait-linked factors among plant species. Our assessment showed that plants with most of the MADS box member studies included tomato, apple, and rice after Arabidopsis. Furthermore, based on the degree of their multi-trait associations, FLC, SVP, and SOC1 are suggested to have relatively higher pleiotropic potential among others in plant growth, development, and flowering processes. The approach devised in this study is expected to be applicable for a basic understanding of any study subject of interest, regardless of the depth of prior knowledge.

Functional Divergence Analysis of AGL6 Genes in Prunus mume

The AGAMOUS-LIKE6 (AGL6) lineage is an important clade of MADS-box transcription factors that play essential roles in floral organ development. The genome of Prunus mume contains two homoeologous AGL6 genes that are replicated as gene fragments. In this study, two AGL6 homologs, PmAGL6-1 and PmAGL6-2, were cloned from P. mume and then functionally characterized. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses grouped both genes into the AGL6 lineage. The expression patterns and protein-protein interaction patterns showed significant differences between the two genes. However, the ectopic expression of the two genes in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in similar phenotypes, including the promotion of flowering, alteration of floral organ structure, participation in the formation of the floral meristem and promotion of pod bending. Therefore, gene duplication has led to some functional divergence of PmAGL6-1 and PmAGL6-2 but their functions are similar. We thus speculated that AGL6 genes play a crucial role in flower development in P. mume.

Wheat AGAMOUS LIKE 6 transcription factors function in stamen development by regulating the expression of Ta APETALA3

Previous studies have revealed the functions of rice and maize AGAMOUS LIKE 6 (AGL6) genes OsMADS6 and ZAG3, respectively, in floral development; however, the functions of three wheat (Triticum aestivum) AGL6 genes are still unclear. Here, we report the main functions of wheat AGL6 homoeologous genes in stamen development. In RNAi plants, stamens showed abnormality in number and morphology, and a tendency to transform into carpels. Consistently, the expression of the B-class gene TaAPETALA3 (AP3) and the auxin-responsive gene TaMGH3 was downregulated, whereas the wheat ortholog of the rice carpel identity gene DROOPING LEAF was ectopically expressed in RNAi stamens. TaAGL6 proteins bind to the promoter of TaAP3 directly. Yeast one-hybrid and transient expression assays further showed that TaAGL6 positively regulates the expression of TaAP3 in vivo. Wheat AGL6 transcription factors interact with TaAP3, TaAGAMOUS and TaMADS13. Our findings indicate that TaAGL6 transcription factors play an essential role in stamen development through transcriptional regulation of TaAP3 and other related genes. We propose a model to illustrate the function and probable mechanism of this regulation. This study extends our understanding of AGL6 genes.

A photometric stereo-based 3D imaging system using computer vision and deep learning for tracking plant growth

BACKGROUND

Tracking and predicting the growth performance of plants in different environments is critical for predicting the impact of global climate change. Automated approaches for image capture and analysis have allowed for substantial increases in the throughput of quantitative growth trait measurements compared with manual assessments. Recent work has focused on adopting computer vision and machine learning approaches to improve the accuracy of automated plant phenotyping. Here we present PS-Plant, a low-cost and portable 3D plant phenotyping platform based on an imaging technique novel to plant phenotyping called photometric stereo (PS).

RESULTS

We calibrated PS-Plant to track the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana throughout the day-night (diel) cycle and investigated growth architecture under a variety of conditions to illustrate the dramatic effect of the environment on plant phenotype. We developed bespoke computer vision algorithms and assessed available deep neural network architectures to automate the segmentation of rosettes and individual leaves, and extract basic and more advanced traits from PS-derived data, including the tracking of 3D plant growth and diel leaf hyponastic movement. Furthermore, we have produced the first PS training data set, which includes 221 manually annotated Arabidopsis rosettes that were used for training and data analysis (1,768 images in total). A full protocol is provided, including all software components and an additional test data set.

CONCLUSIONS

PS-Plant is a powerful new phenotyping tool for plant research that provides robust data at high temporal and spatial resolutions. The system is well-suited for small- and large-scale research and will help to accelerate bridging of the phenotype-to-genotype gap.

Regulation of meristem maintenance and organ identity during rice reproductive development

Grasses have evolved complex inflorescences, where the primary unit is the specialized short branch called a spikelet. Detailed studies of the cumulative action of the genetic regulators that direct the progressive change in axillary meristem identity and their terminal differentiation are crucial to understanding the complexities of the inflorescence and the development of a determinate floret. Grass florets also pose interesting questions concerning the morphologies and functions of organs as compared to other monocots and eudicots. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the regulation of the transitions that occur in grass inflorescence meristems, and of the specification of floret meristems and their determinate development. We primarily use rice as a model, with appropriate comparisons to other crop models and to the extensively studied eudicot Arabidopsis. The role of MADS-domain transcription factors in floral organ patterning is well documented in many eudicots and in grasses. However, there is evidence to suggest that some of these rice floral regulators have evolved distinctive functions and that other grass species-specific factors and regulatory pathways occur - for example the LOFSEP 'E' class genes OsMADS1 and OsMAD34, and ramosa genes. A better understanding of these systems and the epigenetic regulators and hormone signaling pathways that interact with them will provide new insights into the rice inflorescence meristem and the differentiation of its floret organs, and should indicate genetic tools that can be used to control yield-related traits in both rice and other cereal crops.

Short-term responses of soybean roots to individual and combinatorial effects of elevated [CO2] and water deficit

Climate change increasingly threatens plant growth and productivity. Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important crops in the world. Although its responses to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) have been previously studied, root molecular responses to elevated [CO2] (E[CO2]) or the combination/interaction of E[CO2] and water deficit remain unexamined. In this study, we evaluated the individual and combinatory effects of E[CO2] and water deficit on the physiology and root molecular responses in soybean. Plants growing under E[CO2] exhibited increased photosynthesis that resulted in a higher biomass, plant height, and leaf area. E[CO2] decreased the transcripts levels of genes involved in iron uptake and transport, antioxidant activity, secondary metabolism and defense, and stress responses in roots. When plants grown under E[CO2] are treated with instantaneous water deficit, E[CO2] reverted the expression of water deficit-induced genes related to stress, defense, transport and nutrient deficiency. Furthermore, the interaction of both treatments uniquely affected the expression of genes. Both physiological and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that E[CO2] may mitigate the negative effects of water deficit on the soybean roots. In addition, the identification of genes that are modulated by the interaction of E[CO2] and water deficit suggests an emergent response that is triggered only under this specific condition.

The Arabidopsis Sin3-HDAC Complex Facilitates Temporal Histone Deacetylation at the CCA1 and PRR9 Loci for Robust Circadian Oscillation

The circadian clock synchronizes endogenous rhythmic processes with environmental cycles and maximizes plant fitness. Multiple regulatory layers shape circadian oscillation, and chromatin modification is emerging as an important scheme for precise circadian waveforms. Here, we report the role of an evolutionarily conserved Sin3-histone deacetylase complex (HDAC) in circadian oscillation in Arabidopsis. SAP30 FUNCTION-RELATED 1 (AFR1) and AFR2, which are key components of Sin3-HDAC complex, are circadianly-regulated and possibly facilitate the temporal formation of the Arabidopsis Sin3-HDAC complex at dusk. The evening-expressed AFR proteins bind directly to the CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) and PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 9 (PRR9) promoters and catalyze histone 3 (H3) deacetylation at the cognate regions to repress expression, allowing the declining phase of their expression at dusk. In support, the CCA1 and PRR9 genes were de-repressed around dusk in the afr1-1afr2-1 double mutant. These findings indicate that periodic histone deacetylation at the morning genes by the Sin3-HDAC complex contributes to robust circadian maintenance in higher plants.

Silencing SlAGL6, a tomato AGAMOUS-LIKE6 lineage gene, generates fused sepal and green petal

Silencing SlAGL6 in tomato leads to fused sepal and green petal by influencing the expression of A-, B-class genes. AGAMOUS-LIKE6 (AGL6) lineage is an important clade MADS-box transcription factor and plays essential roles in various developmental programs especially in flower meristem and floral organ development. Here, we isolated a tomato AGL6 lineage gene SlAGL6 and successfully obtained several RNA interference (RNAi) lines. Silencing SlAGL6 led to abnormal fused sepals and light green petals with smaller size. The total chlorophyll content in transgenic petals increased and the morphology of epidermis cells altered. Further analysis showed that A-class gene MACROCALYX (MC) participating in sepal development and a NAC-domain gene GOBLET involving in boundary establishment were down-regulated in transgenic lines. In transgenic petals, two chlorophyll synthesis genes, Golden2-like1 (SlGLK1) and Golden2-like2 (SlGLK2), two photosystem-related genes, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase small chain 3B (SlrbcS3B) and chlorophyll a/b-binding protein 7 (SlCab-7) were induced and three B-class genes TM6, TAP3 and SlGLO1 were repressed. These results suggest that SlAGL6 involves in tomato sepal and petal development.

An Evolutionary Framework for Carpel Developmental Control Genes

Carpels are the female reproductive organs of flowering plants (angiosperms), enclose the ovules, and develop into fruits. The presence of carpels unites angiosperms, and they are suggested to be the most important autapomorphy of the angiosperms, e.g., they prevent inbreeding and allow efficient seed dispersal. Many transcriptional regulators and coregulators essential for carpel development are encoded by diverse gene families and well characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana. Among these regulators are AGAMOUS (AG), ETTIN (ETT), LEUNIG (LUG), SEUSS (SEU), SHORT INTERNODE/STYLISH (SHI/STY), and SEPALLATA1, 2, 3, 4 (SEP1, 2, 3, 4). However, the timing of the origin and their subsequent molecular evolution of these carpel developmental regulators are largely unknown. Here, we have sampled homologs of these carpel developmental regulators from the sequenced genomes of a wide taxonomic sampling of the land plants, such as Physcomitrella patens, Selaginella moellendorfii, Picea abies, and several angiosperms. Careful phylogenetic analyses were carried out that provide a phylogenetic background for the different gene families and provide minimal estimates for the ages of these developmental regulators. Our analyses and published work show that LUG-, SEU-, and SHI/STY-like genes were already present in the Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) of all land plants, AG- and SEP-like genes were present in the MRCA of seed plants and their origin may coincide with the ξ Whole Genome Duplication. Our work shows that the carpel development regulatory network was, in part, recruited from preexisting network components that were present in the MRCA of angiosperms and modified to regulate gynoecium development.

Flower development: the evolutionary history and functions of the AGL6 subfamily MADS-box genes

AGL6 is an ancient subfamily of MADS-box genes found in both gymnosperms and angiosperms. Its functions remained elusive despite the fact that the MADS-box genes and the ABC model have been studied for >20 years. Nevertheless, recent discoveries in petunia, rice, and maize support its involvement in the 'E' function of floral development, very similar to the closely related AGL2 (SEPALLATA) subfamily which has been well characterized. The known functions of AGL6 span from ancient conserved roles to new functions acquired in specific plant families. The AGL6 genes are involved in floral meristem regulation, in floral organs, and ovule (integument) and seed development, and have possible roles in both male and female germline and gametophyte development. In grasses, they are also important for the development of the first whorl of the flower, whereas in Arabidopsis they may play additional roles before floral meristem formation. This review covers these recent insights and some other aspects that are not yet fully elucidated, which deserve more studies in the future.

Prevalent Exon-Intron Structural Changes in the APETALA1/FRUITFULL, SEPALLATA, AGAMOUS-LIKE6, and FLOWERING LOCUS C MADS-Box Gene Subfamilies Provide New Insights into Their Evolution

AP1/FUL, SEP, AGL6, and FLC subfamily genes play important roles in flower development. The phylogenetic relationships among them, however, have been controversial, which impedes our understanding of the origin and functional divergence of these genes. One possible reason for the controversy may be the problems caused by changes in the exon-intron structure of genes, which, according to recent studies, may generate non-homologous sites and hamper the homology-based sequence alignment. In this study, we first performed exon-by-exon alignments of these and three outgroup subfamilies (SOC1, AG, and STK). Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on these matrices show improved resolution and better congruence with species phylogeny. In the context of these phylogenies, we traced evolutionary changes of exon-intron structures in each subfamily. We found that structural changes have occurred frequently following gene duplication and speciation events. Notably, exons 7 and 8 (if present) suffered more structural changes than others. With the knowledge of exon-intron structural changes, we generated more reasonable alignments containing all the focal subfamilies. The resulting trees showed that the SEP subfamily is sister to the monophyletic group formed by AP1/FUL and FLC subfamily genes and that the AGL6 subfamily forms a sister group to the three abovementioned subfamilies. Based on this topology, we inferred the evolutionary history of exon-intron structural changes among different subfamilies. Particularly, we found that the eighth exon originated before the divergence of AP1/FUL, FLC, SEP, and AGL6 subfamilies and degenerated in the ancestral FLC-like gene. These results provide new insights into the origin and evolution of the AP1/FUL, FLC, SEP, and AGL6 subfamilies.

Circadian expression profiles of chromatin remodeling factor genes in Arabidopsis

The circadian clock is a biological time keeper mechanism that regulates biological rhythms to a period of approximately 24 h. The circadian clock enables organisms to anticipate environmental cycles and coordinates internal cellular physiology with external environmental cues. In plants, correct matching of the clock with the environment confers fitness advantages to plant survival and reproduction. Therefore, circadian clock components are regulated at multiple layers to fine-tune the circadian oscillation. Epigenetic regulation provides an additional layer of circadian control. However, little is known about which chromatin remodeling factors are responsible for circadian control. In this work, we analyzed circadian expression of 109 chromatin remodeling factor genes and identified 17 genes that display circadian oscillation. In addition, we also found that a candidate interacts with a core clock component, supporting that clock activity is regulated in part by chromatin modification. As an initial attempt to elucidate the relationship between chromatin modification and circadian oscillation, we identified novel regulatory candidates that provide a platform for future investigations of chromatin regulation of the circadian clock.

Functional and evolutionary analysis of the AP1/SEP/AGL6 superclade of MADS-box genes in the basal eudicot Epimedium sagittatum

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

MADS-box transcriptional regulators play important roles during plant development. Based on phylogenetic reconstruction, the AP1/SEP/AGL6 superclade of floral MADS-box genes underwent one or two duplication events in the common ancestor of the core eudicots. However, the functional evolution of the AP1/SEP/AGL6 superclade in basal eudicots remains uncharacterized. Epimedium sagittatum is a basal eudicot species valued for its medicinal properties and showing unique floral morphology. In this study, structural and functional variation of FUL-like (AP1 subfamily), SEP-like and AGL6-like genes in this species was investigated to further our understanding of flower evolution in angiosperms. Detailed investigations into the microsynteny and evolutionary history of the floral A and E class MADS-box genes in eudicots were undertaken and used to trace their genomic rearrangements.

METHODS

One AP1-like gene, two SEP-like genes and one AGL6-like gene were cloned from E. sagittatum. Their expression patterns were examined using quantitative RT-PCR in different vegetative and reproductive organs at two developmental stages. Yeast two-hybrid assays were carried out among AP1/SEP/AGL6 superclade, AP3/PI and AGAMOUS subfamily members for elucidation of dimerization patterns. In addition, possible formation of a ternary complex involving B class proteins with the A class protein EsFUL-like, the E class SEP-like protein EsAGL2-1 or the AGL6-class protein EsAGL6 were detected using yeast three-hybrid assays. Transgenic Arabidopsis or tobacco plants expressing EsFUL-like, EsAGL2-1 and EsAGL6-like under the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter were generated and analysed. Genomic studies of AP1 syntenic regions in arabidopsis, columbine, strawberry, papaya, peach, grapevine and tomato were conducted for microsyntenic analyses.

KEY RESULTS

Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that EsFUL-like is a member of the AP1 (A class) subfamily, EsAGL2-1 and EsAGL2-2 belong to the SEP-like (E class) subfamily, and EsAGL6-like belongs to the AGL6 (AGL6 class) subfamily. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that the transcripts of the four genes are absent, or minimal, in vegetative tissues and are most highly expressed in floral organs. Yeast two-hybrid results revealed that of the eight MADS-box proteins tested, only EsAGL6-like, EsAGL2-1 and EsAGL2 were able to form strong homo- and heterodimers, with EsAGL6-like and EsAGL2-1 showing similar interaction patterns. Yeast three-hybrid analysis revealed that EsFUL1-like, EsAGL6-like and EsAGL2-1 (representing the three major lineages of the Epimedium AGL/SEP/ALG6 superclade) could act as bridging proteins in ternary complexes with both EsAP3-2 (B class) and EsPI (B class), which do not heterodimerize themselves. Syntenic analyses of sequenced basal eudicots, rosids and asterids showed that most AP1-like and SEP-like genes have been tightly associated as neighbours since the origin of basal eudicots. Ectopic expression of EsFUL-like in arabidopsis caused early flowering through endogenous high-level expression of AP1 and formation of secondary flowers between the first and second whorls. Tobacco plants with ectopic expression of EsAGL2-1 showed shortened pistils and styles, as well as axillary and extra petals in the initial flower.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a description of EsFUL-like, EsAGL2-1, EsAGL2-2 and EsAGL6-like function divergence and conservation in comparison with a selection of model core eudicots. The study also highlights how organization in genomic segments containing A and E class genes in sequenced model species has resulted in similar topologies of AP1 and SEP-like gene trees.

Fruit indehiscence caused by enhanced expression of NO TRANSMITTING TRACT in Arabidopsis thaliana

In flowering plants, fruit dehiscence enables seed dispersal. Here we report that ntt-3D, an activation tagged allele of NO TRANSMITTING TRACT (NTT), caused a failure of fruit dehiscence in Arabidopsis. We identified ntt-3D, in which the 35S enhancer was inserted adjacent to AT3G-57670, from our activation tagged mutant library. ntt-3D mutants showed serrated leaves, short siliques, and indehiscence phenotypes. NTT-overexpressing plants largely phenocopied the ntt-3D plants. As the proximate cause of the indehiscence, ntt-3D plants exhibited a near absence of valve margin and lignified endocarp b layer in the carpel. In addition, the replum was enlarged in ntt-3D mutants. NTT expression reached a peak in flowers at stage 11 and gradually decreased thereafter and pNTT::GUS expression was mainly observed in the replum, indicating a potential role in fruit patterning. NTT:GFP localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. FRUITFULL (FUL) expression was downregulated in ntt-3D mutants and ntt-3D suppressed upregulation of FUL in replumless mutants. These results indicate that NTT suppresses FUL, indicating a potential role in patterning of the silique. In seed crops, a reduction in pod dehiscence can increase yield by decreasing seed dispersal; therefore, our results may prove useful as a basis to improve crop yield.

A competitive peptide inhibitor KIDARI negatively regulates HFR1 by forming nonfunctional heterodimers in Arabidopsis photomorphogenesis

Dynamic dimer formation is an elaborate means of modulating transcription factor activities in diverse cellular processes. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor LONG HYPOCOTYL IN FAR-RED 1 (HFR1), for example, plays a role in plant photomorphogenesis by forming non-DNA binding heterodimers with PHYTOCHROMEINTERACTING FACTORS (PIFs). Recent studies have shown that a small HLH protein KIDARI (KDR) negatively regulates the HFR1 activity in the process. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the KDR control of the HFR1 activity are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that KDR attenuates the HFR1 activity by competitively forming nonfunctional heterodimers, causing liberation of PIF4 from the transcriptionally inactive HFR1-PIF4 complex. Accordingly, the photomorphogenic hypocotyl growth of the HFR1-overexpressing plants can be suppressed by KDR coexpression, as observed in the HFR1-deficient hfr1-201 mutant. These results indicate that the PIF4 activity is modulated through a double layer of competitive inhibition by HFR1 and KDR, which could in turn ensure fine-tuning of the PIF4 activity under fluctuating light conditions.

Epistatic natural allelic variation reveals a function of AGAMOUS-LIKE6 in axillary bud formation in Arabidopsis

In the Arabidopsis multiparent recombinant inbred line mapping population, a limited number of plants were detected that lacked axillary buds in most of the axils of the cauline (stem) leaves, but formed such buds in almost all rosette axils. Genetic analysis showed that polymorphisms in at least three loci together constitute this phenotype, which only occurs in late-flowering plants. Early flowering is epistatic to two of these loci, called REDUCED SHOOT BRANCHING1 (RSB1) and RSB2, which themselves do not affect flowering time. Map-based cloning and confirmation by transformation with genes from the region where RSB1 was identified by fine-mapping showed that a specific allele of AGAMOUS-Like6 from accession C24 conferred reduced branching in the cauline leaves. Site-directed mutagenesis in the Columbia allele revealed the causal amino acid substitution, which behaved as dominant negative, as was concluded from a loss-of-function mutation that showed the same phenotype in the late-flowering genetic background. This causal allele occurs at a frequency of 15% in the resequenced Arabidopsis thaliana accessions and correlated with reduced stem branching only in late-flowering accessions. The data show the importance of natural variation and epistatic interactions in revealing gene function.

Newly described components and regulatory mechanisms of circadian clock function in Arabidopsis thaliana

The circadian clock temporally coordinates plant growth and metabolism in close synchronization with the diurnal and seasonal environmental changes. Research over the last decade has identified a number of clock components and a variety of regulatory mechanisms responsible for the rhythmic oscillations in metabolic and physiological activities. At the core of the clock, transcriptional/translational feedback loops modulate the expression of a significant proportion of the genome. In this article, we briefly describe some of the very recent advances that have improved our understanding of clock organization and function in Arabidopsis thaliana. The new studies illustrate the role of clock protein complex formation on circadian gating of plant growth and identify alternative splicing as a new regulatory mechanism for clock function. Examination of key clock properties such as temperature compensation has also opened new avenues for functional research within the plant clockwork. The emerging connections between the circadian clock and metabolism, hormone signaling and response to biotic and abiotic stress also add new layers of complexity to the clock network and underscore the significance of the circadian clock regulating the daily life of plants.

The role of the miR399-PHO2 module in the regulation of flowering time in response to different ambient temperatures in Arabidopsis thaliana

A moderate change in ambient temperature significantly affects plant physiology including flowering time. MiR399 and its target gene PHOSPHATE 2 (PHO2) are known to play a role in the maintenance of phosphate homeostasis. However, the regulation of flowering time by the miR399-PHO2 module has not been investigated. As we have previously identified miR399 as an ambient temperature-responsive miRNA, we further investigated whether a change in expression of the miR399-PHO2 module affects flowering time in response to ambient temperature changes. Here, we showed that miR399b-overexpressing plants and a loss-of-function allele of PHO2 (pho2) exhibited an early flowering phenotype only at normal temperature (23°C). Interestingly, their flowering time at lower temperature (16°C) was similar to that of wild-type plants, suggesting that alteration in flowering time by miR399 and its target PHO2 was seen only at normal temperature (23°C). Flowering time ratio (16°C/23°C) revealed that miR399b-overexpressing plants and pho2 mutants showed increased sensitivity to ambient temperature changes. Expression analysis indicated that expression of TWIN SISTER OF FT (TSF) was increased in miR399b-overexpressing plants and pho2 mutants at 23°C, suggesting that their early flowering phenotype is associated with TSF upregulation. Taken together, our results suggest that miR399, an ambient temperature-responsive miRNA, plays a role in ambient temperature-responsive flowering in Arabidopsis.