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Mody TA, Rolle A, Stucki N, Roll F, Bauer U, Schneitz K. Topological analysis of 3D digital ovules identifies cellular patterns associated with ovule shape diversity. Development 2024; 151:dev202590. [PMID: 38738635 PMCID: PMC11168579 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Tissue morphogenesis remains poorly understood. In plants, a central problem is how the 3D cellular architecture of a developing organ contributes to its final shape. We address this question through a comparative analysis of ovule morphogenesis, taking advantage of the diversity in ovule shape across angiosperms. Here, we provide a 3D digital atlas of Cardamine hirsuta ovule development at single cell resolution and compare it with an equivalent atlas of Arabidopsis thaliana. We introduce nerve-based topological analysis as a tool for unbiased detection of differences in cellular architectures and corroborate identified topological differences between two homologous tissues by comparative morphometrics and visual inspection. We find that differences in topology, cell volume variation and tissue growth patterns in the sheet-like integuments and the bulbous chalaza are associated with differences in ovule curvature. In contrast, the radialized conical ovule primordia and nucelli exhibit similar shapes, despite differences in internal cellular topology and tissue growth patterns. Our results support the notion that the structural organization of a tissue is associated with its susceptibility to shape changes during evolutionary shifts in 3D cellular architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejasvinee Atul Mody
- Plant Developmental Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Ramann-Strasse 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Alexander Rolle
- Applied and Computational Topology, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 3, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Nico Stucki
- Applied and Computational Topology, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 3, 85747 Garching, Germany
- Munich Data Science Institute, Technical University of Munich, Walther-von-Dyck Strasse 10, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Fabian Roll
- Applied and Computational Topology, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 3, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Ulrich Bauer
- Applied and Computational Topology, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 3, 85747 Garching, Germany
- Munich Data Science Institute, Technical University of Munich, Walther-von-Dyck Strasse 10, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Kay Schneitz
- Plant Developmental Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Ramann-Strasse 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
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Wu J, Li P, Zhu D, Ma H, Li M, Lai Y, Peng Y, Li H, Li S, Wei J, Bian X, Rahman A, Wu S. SlCRCa is a key D-class gene controlling ovule fate determination in tomato. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:1966-1980. [PMID: 38561972 PMCID: PMC11182579 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cell fate determination and primordium initiation on the placental surface are two key events for ovule formation in seed plants, which directly affect ovule density and seed yield. Despite ovules form in the marginal meristematic tissues of the carpels, angiosperm carpels evolved after the ovules. It is not clear how the development of the ovules and carpels is coordinated in angiosperms. In this study, we identify the S. lycopersicum CRABS CLAW (CRC) homologue SlCRCa as an essential determinant of ovule fate. We find that SlCRCa is not only expressed in the placental surface and ovule primordia but also functions as a D-class gene to block carpel fate and promote ovule fate in the placental surface. Loss of function of SlCRCa causes homeotic transformation of the ovules to carpels. In addition, we find low levels of the S. lycopersicum AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) homologue (SlANT2) favour the ovule initiation, whereas high levels of SlANT2 promote placental carpelization. SlCRCa forms heterodimer with tomato INNER NO OUTER (INO) and AGAMOUS (AG) orthologues, SlINO and TOMATO AGAMOUS1 (TAG1), to repress SlANT2 expression during the ovule initiation. Our study confirms that angiosperm basal ovule cells indeed retain certain carpel properties and provides mechanistic insights into the ovule initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqing Wu
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Pengxue Li
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Danyang Zhu
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Haochuan Ma
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Meng Li
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Yixuan Lai
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Yuxin Peng
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Haixiao Li
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Shuang Li
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Jinbo Wei
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Xinxin Bian
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Abidur Rahman
- Department of Plant Bio‐Sciences, Faculty of AgricultureIwate UniversityMoriokaJapan
- United Graduate School of Agricultural SciencesIwate UniversityMoriokaJapan
| | - Shuang Wu
- College of Horticulture, Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
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Han K, Lai M, Zhao T, Yang X, An X, Chen Z. Plant YABBY transcription factors: a review of gene expression, biological functions, and prospects. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38830825 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2344576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors often contain several different functional regions, including DNA-binding domains, and play an important regulatory role in plant growth, development, and the response to external stimuli. YABYY transcription factors are plant-specific and contain two special domains (N-terminal C2C2 zinc-finger and C-terminal helix-loop-helix domains) that are indispensable. Specifically, YABBY transcription factors play key roles in maintaining the polarity of the adaxial-abaxial axis of leaves, as well as in regulating: vegetative and reproductive growth, hormone response, stress resistance, and secondary metabolite synthesis in plants. Recently, the identification and functional verification of YABBY transcription factors in different plants has increased. On this basis, we summarize recent advances in the: identification, classification, expression patterns, and functions of the YABBY transcription factor family. The normal expression and function of YABBY transcription factors rely on a regulatory network that is established through the interaction of YABBY family members with other genes. We discuss the interaction network of YABBY transcription factors during leaf polarity establishment and floral organ development. This article provides a reference for research on YABBY function, plant genetic improvement, and molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Han
- State Key Laboratory for Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation of the Ministry of Education, National Energy R&D Center for Non-food Biomass, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Lai
- College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tianyun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation of the Ministry of Education, National Energy R&D Center for Non-food Biomass, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation of the Ministry of Education, National Energy R&D Center for Non-food Biomass, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinmin An
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Key Laboratory of Silviculture and Conservation of the Ministry of Education, National Energy R&D Center for Non-food Biomass, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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Zhao Y, Wang Y, Yan M, Liu C, Yuan Z. BELL1 interacts with CRABS CLAW and INNER NO OUTER to regulate ovule and seed development in pomegranate. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 191:1066-1083. [PMID: 36477345 PMCID: PMC9922403 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) flowers are classified as bisexual flowers and functional male flowers. Functional male flowers have sterile pistils that show abnormal ovule development. In previous studies, we identified INNER NO OUTER (INO), CRABS CLAW (CRC), and BELL1 (BEL1), which were specifically expressed in bisexual and functional male flowers. However, the functions of ovule identity genes and the mechanism underlying ovule sterility in pomegranate remain unknown. Here, we found that the integument primordia formed and then ceased developing in the ovules of functional male flowers with a vertical diameter of 8.1-13.0 mm. Megaspore mother cells were observed in bisexual flowers when the vertical diameters of flowers were 10.1-13.0 mm, but not in functional male flowers. We analyzed the expression patterns of ovule-related genes in pomegranate ovule sterility and found that PgCRC mRNA was highly expressed at a critical stage of ovule development in bisexual flowers. Ectopic expression of PgCRC and PgINO was sufficient to increase seed number in transgenic lines. PgCRC partially complemented the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) crc mutant, and PgINO successfully rescued the seeds set in the Arabidopsis ino mutant. The results of yeast two-hybrid assays, bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, and genetic data analyses showed that PgCRC and PgINO directly interact with PgBEL1. Our results also showed that PgCRC and PgINO could not interact directly with MADS-box proteins and that PgBEL1 interacted with SEPALLATA proteins. We report the function of PgCRC and PgINO in ovule and seed development and show that PgCRC and PgINO interact with PgBEL1. Thus, our results provide understanding of the genetic regulatory networks underlying ovule development in pomegranate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yuying Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Cuiyu Liu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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Skinner DJ, Dang T, Gasser CS. The Arabidopsis INNER NO OUTER ( INO) gene acts exclusively and quantitatively in regulation of ovule outer integument development. PLANT DIRECT 2023; 7:e485. [PMID: 36845169 PMCID: PMC9947456 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The INNER NO OUTER (INO) gene is essential for formation of the outer integument of ovules in Arabidopsis thaliana. Initially described lesions in INO were missense mutations resulting in aberrant mRNA splicing. To determine the null mutant phenotype, we generated frameshift mutations and found, in confirmation of results on another recently identified frameshift mutation, that such mutants have a phenotype identical to the most severe splicing mutant (ino-1), with effects specific to outer integument development. We show that the altered protein of an ino mRNA splicing mutant with a less severe phenotype (ino-4) does not have INO activity, and the mutant is partial because it produces a small amount of correctly spliced INO mRNA. Screening for suppressors of ino-4 in a fast neutron-mutagenized population identified a translocated duplication of the ino-4 gene, leading to an increase in the amount of this mRNA. The increased expression led to a decrease in the severity of the mutant effects, indicating that the amount of INO activity quantitatively regulates outer integument growth. The results further confirm that the role of INO in Arabidopsis development is specific to the outer integument of ovules where it quantitatively affects the growth of this structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra J. Skinner
- Dept. of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of California—DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Present address:
Dept. of Plant BiologyUniversity of California—DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Trang Dang
- Dept. of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of California—DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Present address:
Lark Seeds InternationalDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Charles S. Gasser
- Dept. of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of California—DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Jiang M, Jian J, Zhou C, Li L, Wang Y, Zhang W, Song Z, Yang J. Does integument arise de novo or from pre-existing structures? ── Insights from the key regulatory genes controlling integument development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1078248. [PMID: 36714739 PMCID: PMC9880897 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1078248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The origin of seeds is one of the key innovations in land plant evolution. Ovules are the developmental precursors of seeds. The integument is the envelope structure surrounding the nucellus within the ovule and developing into the seed coat when ovules mature upon fertilization. The question of whether the integument arise de novo or evolve from elaboration of pre-existing structures has caused much debate. By exploring the origin and evolution of the key regulatory genes controlling integument development and their functions during both individual and historical developmental processes, we showed the widespread presence of the homologs of ANT, CUC, BEL1, SPL, C3HDZ, INO, ATS, and ETT in seedless plant genomes. All of these genes have undergone duplication-divergence events in their evolutionary history, with most of the descendant paralogous suffering motif gain and/or loss in the coding regions. Expression and functional characterization have shown that these genes are key components of the genetic program that patterns leaf-like lateral organs. Serial homology can thus be postulated between integuments and other lateral organs in terms of the shared master regulatory genes. Given that the genetic program patterning leaf-like lateral organs formed in seedless plants, and was reused during seed origin, the integument is unlikely to arise de novo but evolved from the stem segment-specific modification of pre-existing serially homologous structures. The master 'switches' trigging the modification to specify the integument identity remain unclear. We propose a successive transformation model of integument origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jiang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjing Jian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengchuan Zhou
- Institute of Tree Genetics Breeding and Cultivation, Jiangxi Academy of Forestry, Nanchang, China
| | - Linfeng Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuguo Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenju Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Song
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai, China
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7
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Henning PM, Shore JS, McCubbin AG. The S-Gene YUC6 Pleiotropically Determines Male Mating Type and Pollen Size in Heterostylous Turnera (Passifloraceae): A Novel Neofunctionalization of the YUCCA Gene Family. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2640. [PMID: 36235506 PMCID: PMC9572539 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In heterostylous, self-incompatible Turnera species, a member of the YUCCA gene family, YUC6, resides at the S-locus and has been hypothesized to determine the male mating type. YUCCA gene family members synthesize the auxin, indole-3-acetic acid, via a two-step process involving the TAA gene family. Consequently, it has been speculated that differences in auxin concentration in developing anthers are the biochemical basis underlying the male mating type. Here, we provide empirical evidence that supports this hypothesis. Using a transgenic knockdown approach, we show that YUC6 acts pleiotropically to control both the male physiological mating type and pollen size, but not the filament length dimorphism associated with heterostyly in Turnera. Using qPCR to assess YUC6 expression in different transgenic lines, we demonstrate that the level of YUC6 knockdown correlates with the degree of change observed in the male mating type. Further assessment of YUC6 expression through anther development, in the knockdown lines, suggests that the male mating type is irreversibly determined during a specific developmental window prior to microsporogenesis, which is consistent with the genetically sporophytic nature of this self-incompatibility system. These results represent the first gene controlling male mating type to be characterized in any species with heterostyly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige M. Henning
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Joel S. Shore
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Andrew G. McCubbin
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
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Petrella R, Gabrieli F, Cavalleri A, Schneitz K, Colombo L, Cucinotta M. Pivotal role of STIP in ovule pattern formation and female germline development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Development 2022; 149:276792. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.201184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
In spermatophytes the sporophytic (diploid) and the gametophytic (haploid) generations co-exist in ovules, and the coordination of their developmental programs is of pivotal importance for plant reproduction. To achieve efficient fertilization, the haploid female gametophyte and the diploid ovule structures must coordinate their development to form a functional and correctly shaped ovule. WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) genes encode a family of transcription factors that share important roles in a wide range of processes throughout plant development. Here, we show that STIP is required for the correct patterning and curvature of the ovule in Arabidopsis thaliana. The knockout mutant stip-2 is characterized by a radialized ovule phenotype due to severe defects in outer integument development. In addition, alteration of STIP expression affects the correct differentiation and progression of the female germline. Finally, our results reveal that STIP is required to tightly regulate the key ovule factors INNER NO OUTER, PHABULOSA and WUSCHEL, and they define a novel genetic interplay in the regulatory networks determining ovule development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Petrella
- Università degli Studi di Milano 1 Dipartimento di Bioscienze , , Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan , Italy
| | - Flavio Gabrieli
- Università degli Studi di Milano 1 Dipartimento di Bioscienze , , Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan , Italy
| | - Alex Cavalleri
- Università degli Studi di Milano 1 Dipartimento di Bioscienze , , Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan , Italy
| | - Kay Schneitz
- , Technical University of Munich 2 Plant Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences , 85354 Freising , Germany
| | - Lucia Colombo
- Università degli Studi di Milano 1 Dipartimento di Bioscienze , , Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan , Italy
| | - Mara Cucinotta
- Università degli Studi di Milano 1 Dipartimento di Bioscienze , , Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan , Italy
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Luo C, Yan J, Liu W, Xu Y, Sun P, Wang M, Xie D, Jiang B. Genetic mapping and genome-wide association study identify BhYAB4 as the candidate gene regulating seed shape in wax gourd ( Benincasa hispida). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:961864. [PMID: 36161030 PMCID: PMC9493316 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.961864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Wax gourd is an important vegetable crop of the Cucurbitaceae family. According to the shape and structure of the seed coat, the seeds of the wax gourd can be divided into bilateral and unilateral. Bilateral seeds usually germinate quickly and have a high germination rate than unilateral seeds. Thereby, wax gourd varieties with bilateral seeds are more welcomed by seed companies and growers. However, the genetic basis and molecular mechanism regulating seed shape remain unclear in the wax gourd. In this study, the genetic analysis demonstrated that the seed shape of wax gourd was controlled by a single gene, with bilateral dominant to unilateral. Combined with genetic mapping and genome-wide association study, Bhi04G000544 (BhYAB4), encoding a YABBY transcription factor, was identified as the candidate gene for seed shape determination in the wax gourd. A G/A single nucleotide polymorphism variation of BhYAB4 was detected among different germplasm resources, with BhYAB4G specifically enriched in bilateral seeds and BhYAB4A in unilateral seeds. The G to A mutation caused intron retention and premature stop codon of BhYAB4. Expression analysis showed that both BhYAB4G and BhYAB4A were highly expressed in seeds, while the nuclear localization of BhYAB4A protein was disturbed compared with that of BhYAB4G protein. Finally, a derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker that could efficiently distinguish between bilateral and unilateral seeds was developed, thereby facilitating the molecular marker-assisted breeding of wax gourd cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Luo
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinqiang Yan
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenrui Liu
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanchao Xu
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Piaoyun Sun
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Wang
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dasen Xie
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, China
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10
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D'Apice G, Moschin S, Nigris S, Ciarle R, Muto A, Bruno L, Baldan B. Identification of key regulatory genes involved in the sporophyte and gametophyte development in Ginkgo biloba ovules revealed by in situ expression analyses. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2022; 109:887-898. [PMID: 35506584 PMCID: PMC9322462 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE In Arabidopsis thaliana, the role of the most important key genes that regulate ovule development is widely known. In nonmodel species, and especially in gymnosperms, the ovule developmental processes are still quite obscure. In this study, we describe the putative roles of Ginkgo biloba orthologs of regulatory genes during ovule development. Specifically, we studied AGAMOUS (AG), AGAMOUS-like 6 (AGL6), AINTEGUMENTA (ANT), BELL1 (BEL1), Class III HD-Zip, and YABBY Ginkgo genes. METHODS We analyzed their expression domains through in situ hybridizations on two stages of ovule development: the very early stage that corresponds to the ovule primordium, still within wintering buds, and the late stage at pollination time. RESULTS GBM5 (Ginkgo ortholog of AG), GbMADS8 (ortholog of AGL6) and GbC3HDZ1-2-3 were expressed in both the stages of ovule development, while GbMADS1, GbAGL6-like genes (orthologs of AGL6), GbBEL1-2 and YABBY Ginkgo orthologs (GbiYAB1B and GbiYABC) seem mostly involved at pollination time. GbANTL1 was not expressed in the studied stages and was different from GbANTL2 and GbBEL1, which seem to be involved at both stages of ovule development. In Ginkgo, the investigated genes display patterns of expression only partially comparable to those of other studied seed plants. CONCLUSIONS The expression of most of these regulatory genes in the female gametophyte region at pollination time leads to suggest a communication between the sporophytic maternal tissue and the developing female gametophyte, as demonstrated for well-studied model angiosperms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta D'Apice
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadova35123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadova35131Italy
| | - Silvia Moschin
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadova35123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadova35131Italy
| | - Sebastiano Nigris
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadova35123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadova35131Italy
| | - Riccardo Ciarle
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadova35123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadova35131Italy
| | - Antonella Muto
- Department of BiologyEcology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Arcavacata of RendeCS87036Italy
| | - Leonardo Bruno
- Department of BiologyEcology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Arcavacata of RendeCS87036Italy
| | - Barbara Baldan
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadova35123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadova35131Italy
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Sharma V, Clark AJ, Kawashima T. Insights into the molecular evolution of fertilization mechanism in land plants. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2021; 34:353-364. [PMID: 34061252 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-021-00414-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Comparative genetics and genomics among green plants, including algae, provide deep insights into the evolution of land plant sexual reproduction. Land plants have evolved successive changes during their conquest of the land and innovations in sexual reproduction have played a major role in their terrestrialization. Recent years have seen many revealing dissections of the molecular mechanisms of sexual reproduction and much new genomics data from the land plant lineage, including early diverging land plants, as well as algae. This new knowledge is being integrated to further understand how sexual reproduction in land plants evolved, identifying highly conserved factors and pathways, but also molecular changes that underpinned the emergence of new modes of sexual reproduction. Here, we review recent advances in the knowledge of land plant sexual reproduction from an evolutionary perspective and also revisit the evolution of angiosperm double fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijyesh Sharma
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Anthony J Clark
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Tomokazu Kawashima
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
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12
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D’Apice G, Moschin S, Araniti F, Nigris S, Di Marzo M, Muto A, Banfi C, Bruno L, Colombo L, Baldan B. The role of pollination in controlling Ginkgo biloba ovule development. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:2353-2368. [PMID: 34558676 PMCID: PMC9292720 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Generally, in gymnosperms, pollination and fertilization events are temporally separated and the developmental processes leading the switch from ovule integument into seed coat are still unknown. The single ovule integument of Ginkgo biloba acquires the typical characteristics of the seed coat long before the fertilization event. In this study, we investigated whether pollination triggers the transformation of the ovule integument into the seed coat. Transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses performed on ovules just prior and after pollination lead to the identification of changes occurring in Ginkgo ovules during this specific time. A morphological atlas describing the developmental stages of ovule development is presented. The metabolic pathways involved in the lignin biosynthesis and in the production of fatty acids are activated upon pollination, suggesting that the ovule integument starts its differentiation into a seed coat before the fertilization. Omics analyses allowed an accurate description of the main changes that occur in Ginkgo ovules during the pollination time frame, suggesting the crucial role of the pollen arrival on the progression of ovule development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta D’Apice
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadua25123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadua35121Italy
| | - Silvia Moschin
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadua25123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadua35121Italy
| | - Fabrizio Araniti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MilanoMilan20133Italy
| | - Sebastiano Nigris
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadua25123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadua35121Italy
| | | | - Antonella Muto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST)University of CalabriaArcavacata of RendeCS87036Italy
| | - Camilla Banfi
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of MilanoMilan20133Italy
| | - Leonardo Bruno
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST)University of CalabriaArcavacata of RendeCS87036Italy
| | - Lucia Colombo
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of MilanoMilan20133Italy
| | - Barbara Baldan
- Botanical GardenUniversity of PadovaPadua25123Italy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadua35121Italy
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13
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Petrella R, Cucinotta M, Mendes MA, Underwood CJ, Colombo L. The emerging role of small RNAs in ovule development, a kind of magic. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2021; 34:335-351. [PMID: 34142243 PMCID: PMC8566443 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-021-00421-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In plants, small RNAs have been recognized as key genetic and epigenetic regulators of development. Small RNAs are usually 20 to 30 nucleotides in length and they control, in a sequence specific manner, the transcriptional or post-transcriptional expression of genes. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the most recent findings about the function of small RNAs in ovule development, including megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis, both in sexual and apomictic plants. We discuss recent studies on the role of miRNAs, siRNAs and trans-acting RNAs (ta-siRNAs) in early female germline differentiation. The mechanistic complexity and unique regulatory features are reviewed, and possible directions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Petrella
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Cucinotta
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta A Mendes
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Charles J Underwood
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linné-Weg 10, 50829, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lucia Colombo
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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14
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Qadir M, Wang X, Shah SRU, Zhou XR, Shi J, Wang H. Molecular Network for Regulation of Ovule Number in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312965. [PMID: 34884791 PMCID: PMC8657818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In seed-bearing plants, the ovule ("small egg") is the organ within the gynoecium that develops into a seed after fertilization. The gynoecium located in the inner compartment of the flower turns into a fruit. The number of ovules in the ovary determines the upper limit or the potential of seed number per fruit in plants, greatly affecting the final seed yield. Ovule number is an important adaptive characteristic for plant evolution and an agronomic trait for crop improvement. Therefore, understanding the mechanism and pathways of ovule number regulation becomes a significant research aspect in plant science. This review summarizes the ovule number regulators and their regulatory mechanisms and pathways. Specially, an integrated molecular network for ovule number regulation is constructed, in which phytohormones played a central role, followed by transcription factors, enzymes, other protein and micro-RNA. Of them, AUX, BR and CK are positive regulator of ovule number, whereas GA acts negatively on it. Interestingly, many ovule number regulators have conserved functions across several plant taxa, which should be the targets of genetic improvement via breeding or gene editing. Many ovule number regulators identified to date are involved in the diverse biological process, such as ovule primordia formation, ovule initiation, patterning, and morphogenesis. The relations between ovule number and related characteristics/traits especially of gynoecium/fruit size, ovule fertility, and final seed number, as well as upcoming research questions, are also discussed. In summary, this review provides a general overview of the present finding in ovule number regulation, which represents a more comprehensive and in-depth cognition on it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muslim Qadir
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chines Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China; (M.Q.); (X.W.)
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Lasbela University of Agriculture Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), Lasbela 74200, Pakistan;
| | - Xinfa Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chines Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China; (M.Q.); (X.W.)
| | - Syed Rehmat Ullah Shah
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Lasbela University of Agriculture Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), Lasbela 74200, Pakistan;
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7080, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xue-Rong Zhou
- Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Agriculture Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Jiaqin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chines Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China; (M.Q.); (X.W.)
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Hanzhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chines Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China; (M.Q.); (X.W.)
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (H.W.)
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15
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Zumajo-Cardona C, Ambrose BA. Deciphering the evolution of the ovule genetic network through expression analyses in Gnetum gnemon. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2021; 128:217-230. [PMID: 33959756 PMCID: PMC8324035 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The ovule is a synapomorphy of all seed plants (gymnosperms and angiosperms); however, there are some striking differences in ovules among the major seed plant lineages, such as the number of integuments or the orientation of the ovule. The genetics involved in ovule development have been well studied in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, which has two integuments and anatropous orientation. This study is approached from what is known in arabidopsis, focusing on the expression patterns of homologues of four genes known to be key for the proper development of the integuments in arabidopsis: AINTEGUMENTA (ANT), BELL1, (BEL1), KANADIs (KANs) and UNICORN (UCN). METHODS We used histology to describe the morphoanatomical development from ovules to seeds in Gnetum gnemon. We carried out spatiotemporal expression analyses in G. gnemon, a gymnosperm, which has a unique ovule morphology with an integument covering the nucellus, two additional envelopes where the outermost becomes fleshy as the seed matures, and an orthotropous orientation. KEY RESULTS Our anatomical and developmental descriptions provide a framework for expression analyses in the ovule of G. gnemon. Our expression results show that although ANT, KAN and UCN homologues are expressed in the inner integument, their spatiotemporal patterns differ from those found in angiosperms. Furthermore, all homologues studied here are expressed in the nucellus, revealing major differences in seed plants. Finally, no expression of the studied homologues was detected in the outer envelopes. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these analyses provide significant comparative data that allows us to better understand the functional evolution of these gene lineages, providing a compelling framework for evolutionary and developmental studies of seeds. Our findings suggest that these genes were most likely recruited from the sporangium development network and became restricted to the integuments of angiosperm ovules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Zumajo-Cardona
- New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY, USA
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara A Ambrose
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- For correspondence. E-mail
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16
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Abstract
Pollen-pistil interactions serve as important prezygotic reproductive barriers that play a critical role in mate selection in plants. Here, we highlight recent progress toward understanding the molecular basis of pollen-pistil interactions as reproductive isolating barriers. These barriers can be active systems of pollen rejection, or they can result from a mismatch of required male and female factors. In some cases, the barriers are mechanistically linked to self-incompatibility systems, while others represent completely independent processes. Pollen-pistil reproductive barriers can act as soon as pollen is deposited on a stigma, where penetration of heterospecific pollen tubes is blocked by the stigma papillae. As pollen tubes extend, the female transmitting tissue can selectively limit growth by producing cell wall-modifying enzymes and cytotoxins that interact with the growing pollen tube. At ovules, differential pollen tube attraction and inhibition of sperm cell release can act as barriers to heterospecific pollen tubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Broz
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1878, USA; ,
| | - Patricia A Bedinger
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1878, USA; ,
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18
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Shi G, Herrera F, Herendeen PS, Clark EG, Crane PR. Mesozoic cupules and the origin of the angiosperm second integument. Nature 2021; 594:223-226. [PMID: 34040260 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03598-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The second integument of the angiosperm ovule is unique among seed plants, with developmental genetics that are distinct from those of the inner integument1. Understanding how the second integument should be compared to structures in other seed plants is therefore crucial to resolving the long-standing question of the origin of angiosperms2-6. Attention has focused on several extinct plants with recurved cupules that are reminiscent of the anatropous organization of the basic bitegmic ovules of angiosperms1-6, but interpretations have been hampered by inadequate information on the relevant fossils. Here we describe abundant exceptionally well-preserved recurved cupules from a newly discovered silicified peat dating to the Early Cretaceous epoch (around 125.6 million years ago) in Inner Mongolia, China. The new material, combined with re-examination of potentially related fossils, indicates that the recurved cupules of several groups of Mesozoic plants are all fundamentally comparable, and that their structure is consistent with the recurved form and development of the second integument in the bitegmic anatropous ovules of angiosperms. Recognition of these angiosperm relatives (angiophytes) provides a partial answer to the question of angiosperm origins, will help to focus future work on seed plant phylogenetics and has important implications for ideas on the origin of the angiosperm carpel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongle Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology and Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China.
| | | | | | | | - Peter R Crane
- Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Upperville, VA, USA.,Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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19
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di Rienzo V, Imanifard Z, Mascio I, Gasser CS, Skinner DJ, Pierri CL, Marini M, Fanelli V, Sabetta W, Montemurro C, Bellin D. Functional conservation of the grapevine candidate gene INNER NO OUTER for ovule development and seed formation. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2021; 8:29. [PMID: 33518713 PMCID: PMC7848007 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-021-00467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Seedlessness represents a highly appreciated trait in table grapes. Based on an interesting case of seedless fruit production described in the crop species Annona squamosa, we focused on the Vitis vinifera INNER NO OUTER (INO) gene as a candidate. This gene encodes a transcription factor belonging to the YABBY family involved in the determination of abaxial identity in several organs. In Arabidopsis thaliana, this gene was shown to be essential for the formation and asymmetric growth of the ovule outer integument and its mutation leads to a phenotypic defect of ovules and failure in seed formation. In this study, we identified in silico the V. vinifera orthologue and investigated its phylogenetic relationship to INO genes from other species and its expression in different organs in seeded and seedless varieties. Applying cross-species complementation, we have tested its functionality in the Arabidopsis ino-1 mutant. We show that the V. vinifera INO successfully rescues the ovule outer integument growth and seeds set and also partially complements the outer integument asymmetric growth in the Arabidopsis mutant, differently from orthologues from other species. These data demonstrate that VviINO retains similar activity and protein targets in grapevine as in Arabidopsis. Potential implications for grapevine breeding are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina di Rienzo
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Section of Genetics and Breeding, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70125, Bari, Italy
- Spin off Sinagri s.r.l., University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Zahra Imanifard
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Isabella Mascio
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Section of Genetics and Breeding, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Charles S Gasser
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Ave., Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Debra J Skinner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Ave., Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Laboratory of Biochemistry Molecular and Structural Biology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Spin off BROWSer S.r.l. (https://browser-bioinf.com/) c/o Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Martina Marini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Valentina Fanelli
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Section of Genetics and Breeding, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Wilma Sabetta
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources of the National Research Council (IBBR-CNR), Via Amendola 165/A, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Montemurro
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Section of Genetics and Breeding, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70125, Bari, Italy.
- Spin off Sinagri s.r.l., University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70125, Bari, Italy.
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection-Support Unit Bari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via Amendola 165/A, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Diana Bellin
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy.
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20
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Rudall PJ. Evolution and patterning of the ovule in seed plants. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:943-960. [PMID: 33432779 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ovule and its developmental successor, the seed, together represent a highly characteristic feature of seed plants that has strongly enhanced the reproductive and dispersal potential of this diverse group of taxa. Ovules encompass multiple tissues that perform various roles within a highly constrained space, requiring a complex cascade of genes that generate localized cell proliferation and programmed cell death during different developmental stages. Many heritable morphological differences among lineages reflect relative displacement of these tissues, but others, such as the second (outer) integuments of angiosperms and Gnetales, represent novel and apparently profound and independent innovations. Recent studies, mostly on model taxa, have considerably enhanced our understanding of gene expression in the ovule. However, understanding its evolutionary history requires a comparative and phylogenetic approach that is problematic when comparing extant angiosperms not only with phylogenetically distant extant gymnosperms but also with taxa known only from fossils. This paper reviews ovule characters across a phylogenetically broad range of seed plants in a dynamic developmental context. It discusses both well-established and recent theories of ovule and seed evolution and highlights potential gaps in comparative data that will usefully enhance our understanding of evolutionary transitions and developmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula J Rudall
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, U.K
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21
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Vijayan A, Tofanelli R, Strauss S, Cerrone L, Wolny A, Strohmeier J, Kreshuk A, Hamprecht FA, Smith RS, Schneitz K. A digital 3D reference atlas reveals cellular growth patterns shaping the Arabidopsis ovule. eLife 2021; 10:e63262. [PMID: 33404501 PMCID: PMC7787667 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in biology is how morphogenesis integrates the multitude of processes that act at different scales, ranging from the molecular control of gene expression to cellular coordination in a tissue. Using machine-learning-based digital image analysis, we generated a three-dimensional atlas of ovule development in Arabidopsis thaliana, enabling the quantitative spatio-temporal analysis of cellular and gene expression patterns with cell and tissue resolution. We discovered novel morphological manifestations of ovule polarity, a new mode of cell layer formation, and previously unrecognized subepidermal cell populations that initiate ovule curvature. The data suggest an irregular cellular build-up of WUSCHEL expression in the primordium and new functions for INNER NO OUTER in restricting nucellar cell proliferation and the organization of the interior chalaza. Our work demonstrates the analytical power of a three-dimensional digital representation when studying the morphogenesis of an organ of complex architecture that eventually consists of 1900 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athul Vijayan
- Plant Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Rachele Tofanelli
- Plant Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Sören Strauss
- Department of Comparative Development and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCologneGermany
| | - Lorenzo Cerrone
- Heidelberg Collaboratory for Image Processing, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Adrian Wolny
- Heidelberg Collaboratory for Image Processing, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
- European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Joanna Strohmeier
- Plant Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Anna Kreshuk
- European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Fred A Hamprecht
- Heidelberg Collaboratory for Image Processing, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Richard S Smith
- Department of Comparative Development and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchCologneGermany
| | - Kay Schneitz
- Plant Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of MunichFreisingGermany
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22
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Hou Ang AC, Østergaard L. Plant Development: Regular Ovule Spacing Is Controlled by Process-Specific Receptor-Ligand Combinations. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R1380-R1382. [PMID: 33202240 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ovules are initiated in a highly regular pattern along the placenta inside the gynoecia of flowering plants. New research reveals that two separate EPFL peptide-mediated pathways functioning through a set of ERECTA-family receptors coordinate ovule patterning with fruit growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Chun Hou Ang
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Lars Østergaard
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
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23
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Zhang T, Li C, Li D, Liu Y, Yang X. Roles of YABBY transcription factors in the modulation of morphogenesis, development, and phytohormone and stress responses in plants. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2020; 133:751-763. [PMID: 33033876 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-020-01227-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The YABBY family is a class of plant-specific transcription factors comprising a typical N-terminal C2C2-type zinc finger domain and a C-terminal helix-loop-helix YABBY domain. YABBY transcription factors play important roles in multiple biological processes, including polarity establishment in plant leaves, the formation and development of reproductive organs, the response to plant hormone signals, resistance to stress, crop breeding and agricultural production. The aim of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the roles, functions and value of the YABBY family in plants, with particular emphasis on new insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms involved in the YABBY-mediated modulation of polarity establishment, morphogenesis and development, and phytohormone and stress responses in plants. In addition, we propose that this transcription factor family presents great value and potential for research, application and development in crop breeding and agricultural production in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianpeng Zhang
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Chongyang Li
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Daxing Li
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
| | - Xinghong Yang
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China.
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24
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Terceros GC, Resentini F, Cucinotta M, Manrique S, Colombo L, Mendes MA. The Importance of Cytokinins during Reproductive Development in Arabidopsis and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218161. [PMID: 33142827 PMCID: PMC7662338 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization and seed formation are fundamental events in the life cycle of flowering plants. The seed is a functional unit whose main purpose is to propagate the plant. The first step in seed development is the formation of male and female gametophytes and subsequent steps culminate in successful fertilization. The detailed study of this process is highly relevant because it directly impacts human needs, such as protecting biodiversity and ensuring sustainable agriculture to feed the increasing world population. Cytokinins comprise a class of phytohormones that play many important roles during plant growth and development and in recent years, the role of this class of phytohormones during reproduction has become clear. Here, we review the role of cytokinins during ovule, pollen and seed formation at the genetic and molecular levels. The expansion of knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms that control plant reproduction is extremely important to optimise seed production.
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Yan B, Lv Y, Zhao C, Wang X. Knowing When to Silence: Roles of Polycomb-Group Proteins in SAM Maintenance, Root Development, and Developmental Phase Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5871. [PMID: 32824274 PMCID: PMC7461556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2 are the major complexes composed of polycomb-group (PcG) proteins in plants. PRC2 catalyzes trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 to silence target genes. Like Heterochromatin Protein 1/Terminal Flower 2 (LHP1/TFL2) recognizes and binds to H3K27me3 generated by PRC2 activities and enrolls PRC1 complex to further silence the chromatin through depositing monoubiquitylation of lysine 119 on H2A. Mutations in PcG genes display diverse developmental defects during shoot apical meristem (SAM) maintenance and differentiation, seed development and germination, floral transition, and so on so forth. PcG proteins play essential roles in regulating plant development through repressing gene expression. In this review, we are focusing on recent discovery about the regulatory roles of PcG proteins in SAM maintenance, root development, embryo development to seedling phase transition, and vegetative to reproductive phase transition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaoxue Wang
- Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (B.Y.); (Y.L.); (C.Z.)
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26
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Rodríguez-Cazorla E, Ripoll JJ, Ortuño-Miquel S, Martínez-Laborda A, Vera A. Dissection of the Arabidopsis HUA-PEP gene activity reveals that ovule fate specification requires restriction of the floral A-function. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:1222-1234. [PMID: 32259283 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ovules are essential for sexual plant reproduction and seed formation, and are fundamental for agriculture. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing ovule development is far from complete. In Arabidopsis, ovule identity is determined by homeotic MADS-domain proteins that define the floral C- (AG) and D- (SHP1/SHP2, STK) functions. Pre-mRNA processing of these genes is critical and mediated by HUA-PEP activity, composed of genes encoding RNA-binding proteins. In strong hua-pep mutants, functional transcripts for C- and D-function genes are reduced, resulting in homeotic transformation of ovules. Thus, hua-pep mutants provide an unique sensitized background to study ovule morphogenesis when C- and D-functions are simultaneously compromised. We found that hua-pep ovules are morphologically sepaloid and show ectopic expression of the homeotic class-A gene AP1. Inactivation of AP1 or AP2 (A-function genes) in hua-pep mutants reduced homeotic conversions, rescuing ovule identity while promoting carpelloid traits in transformed ovules. Interestingly, increased AG dosage led to similar results. Our findings strongly suggest that HUA-PEP activity is required for correct C and D floral functions, which in turn prevents ectopic expression of class-A genes in ovules for their proper morphogenesis, evoking the classic A-C antagonism of the ABC model for floral organ development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan-José Ripoll
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- TATA Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Samanta Ortuño-Miquel
- Area de Genética, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Campus de Sant Joan, Alicante, 03550, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Vera
- Area de Genética, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Campus de Sant Joan, Alicante, 03550, Spain
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27
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Shin JM, Yuan L, Ohme-Takagi M, Kawashima T. Cellular dynamics of double fertilization and early embryogenesis in flowering plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 336:642-651. [PMID: 32638525 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Flowering plants (angiosperms) perform a unique double fertilization in which two sperm cells fuse with two female gamete cells in the embryo sac to develop a seed. Furthermore, during land plant evolution, the mode of sexual reproduction has been modified dramatically from motile sperm in the early-diverging land plants, such as mosses and ferns as well as some gymnosperms (Ginkgo and cycads) to nonmotile sperm that are delivered to female gametes by the pollen tube in flowering plants. Recent studies have revealed the cellular dynamics and molecular mechanisms for the complex series of double fertilization processes and elucidated differences and similarities between animals and plants. Here, together with a brief comparison with animals, we review the current understanding of flowering plant zygote dynamics, covering from gamete nuclear migration, karyogamy, and polyspermy block, to zygotic genome activation as well as asymmetrical division of the zygote. Further analyses of the detailed molecular and cellular mechanisms of flowering plant fertilization should shed light on the evolution of the unique sexual reproduction of flowering plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Min Shin
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Masaru Ohme-Takagi
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Saitama, Japan.,Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawashima
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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28
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Cucinotta M, Di Marzo M, Guazzotti A, de Folter S, Kater MM, Colombo L. Gynoecium size and ovule number are interconnected traits that impact seed yield. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:2479-2489. [PMID: 32067041 PMCID: PMC7210752 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Angiosperms form the largest group of land plants and display an astonishing diversity of floral structures. The development of flowers greatly contributed to the evolutionary success of the angiosperms as they guarantee efficient reproduction with the help of either biotic or abiotic vectors. The female reproductive part of the flower is the gynoecium (also called pistil). Ovules arise from meristematic tissue within the gynoecium. Upon fertilization, these ovules develop into seeds while the gynoecium turns into a fruit. Gene regulatory networks involving transcription factors and hormonal communication regulate ovule primordium initiation, spacing on the placenta, and development. Ovule number and gynoecium size are usually correlated and several genetic factors that impact these traits have been identified. Understanding and fine-tuning the gene regulatory networks influencing ovule number and pistil length open up strategies for crop yield improvement, which is pivotal in light of a rapidly growing world population. In this review, we present an overview of the current knowledge of the genes and hormones involved in determining ovule number and gynoecium size. We propose a model for the gene regulatory network that guides the developmental processes that determine seed yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Cucinotta
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Di Marzo
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Guazzotti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefan de Folter
- Unidad de Genómica Avanzada (UGA-Langebio), Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Km. 9.6 Libramiento Norte, Carretera Irapuato-Leon, CP 36824 Irapuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Martin M Kater
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Colombo
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, Milan, Italy
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29
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Zumajo-Cardona C, Ambrose BA. Phylogenetic analyses of key developmental genes provide insight into the complex evolution of seeds. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2020; 147:106778. [PMID: 32165160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Gene duplication plays a decisive role in organismal diversification and in the appearance of novel structures. In plants the megagametophyte covered by the integuments, which after fertilization becomes the seed constitutes a novel structure: the ovule. In Arabidopsis thaliana, genetic mechanisms regulating ovule development, including the genetics underlying ovule initiation, ovule patterning and integument development, have been identified. Among seed plants, integuments are not only a novelty in evolution, but integuments also present an enormous morphological variation. This study is focused on the evolution of gene families that play a role in the proper morphological development of the integuments, BELL1 (BEL1), KANADIs (KAN1, KAN2, and KAN4/ATS), UNICORN (UCN) and SHORT INTEGUMENTS1 (SIN1). In Arabidopsis, BEL1 establishes the initiation of integument development. KAN1 and 2 act in the proper development of the outer integument. While ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS), is involved in the correct separation of both integuments. UCN acts in planar growth of the outer integument repressing ATS. SIN1 is involved in cell elongation in the integuments. The results of our analyses show that each of these genes has a different evolutionary history and that while gymnosperms appear to have a simpler ovule morphology, they have more homologues of these candidate genes than angiosperms. In addition, we present the conserved and novel motifs for each of these genes among seed plants and their selection constraints, which may be related to functional changes and to the diversity of ovule morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Zumajo-Cardona
- New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458, USA; The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
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30
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Tofanelli R, Vijayan A, Scholz S, Schneitz K. Protocol for rapid clearing and staining of fixed Arabidopsis ovules for improved imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy. PLANT METHODS 2019; 15:120. [PMID: 31673277 PMCID: PMC6814113 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-019-0505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A salient topic in developmental biology relates to the molecular and genetic mechanisms that underlie tissue morphogenesis. Modern quantitative approaches to this central question frequently involve digital cellular models of the organ or tissue under study. The ovules of the model species Arabidopsis thaliana have long been established as a model system for the study of organogenesis in plants. While ovule development in Arabidopsis can be followed by a variety of different imaging techniques, no experimental strategy presently exists that enables an easy and straightforward investigation of the morphology of internal tissues of the ovule with cellular resolution. RESULTS We developed a protocol for rapid and robust confocal microscopy of fixed Arabidopsis ovules of all stages. The method combines clearing of fixed ovules in ClearSee solution with marking the cell outline using the cell wall stain SCRI Renaissance 2200 and the nuclei with the stain TO-PRO-3 iodide. We further improved the microscopy by employing a homogenous immersion system aimed at minimizing refractive index differences. The method allows complete inspection of the cellular architecture even deep within the ovule. Using the new protocol we were able to generate digital three-dimensional models of ovules of various stages. CONCLUSIONS The protocol enables the quick and reproducible imaging of fixed Arabidopsis ovules of all developmental stages. From the imaging data three-dimensional digital ovule models with cellular resolution can be rapidly generated using image analysis software, for example MorphographX. Such digital models will provide the foundation for a future quantitative analysis of ovule morphogenesis in a model species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Tofanelli
- Entwicklungsbiologie der Pflanzen, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Emil-Ramann-Str. 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Athul Vijayan
- Entwicklungsbiologie der Pflanzen, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Emil-Ramann-Str. 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Sebastian Scholz
- Entwicklungsbiologie der Pflanzen, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Emil-Ramann-Str. 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Present Address: EU Research Lab, Technische Hochschule Wildau, 15745 Wildau, Germany
| | - Kay Schneitz
- Entwicklungsbiologie der Pflanzen, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Emil-Ramann-Str. 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
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31
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Baroux C, Grossniklaus U. Seeds-An evolutionary innovation underlying reproductive success in flowering plants. Curr Top Dev Biol 2018; 131:605-642. [PMID: 30612632 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
"Seeds nourish, seeds unite, seeds endure, seeds defend, seeds travel," explains the science writer Thor Hanson in his book The Triumph of Seeds (2015). The seed is an ultimate product of land plant evolution. The nursing and protective organization of the seed enable a unique parental care of the progeny that has fueled seed plant radiation. Seeds promote dispersal and optimize offspring production and thus reproductive fitness through biological adaptations that integrate environmental and developmental cues. The composite structure of seeds, uniting tissues that originate from three distinct organisms, enables the partitioning of tasks during development, maturation, and storage, while a sophisticated interplay between the compartments allows the fine-tuning of embryonic growth, as well as seed maturation, dormancy, and germination. In this review, we will highlight peculiarities in the development and evolution of the different seed compartments and focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Baroux
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology & Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ueli Grossniklaus
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology & Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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