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Sun J, Liu Y, Zheng Y, Xue Y, Fan Y, Ma X, Ji Y, Liu G, Zhang X, Li Y, Wang S, Tian Z, Zhao L. The MADS-box transcription factor GmFULc promotes GmZTL4 gene transcription to modulate maturity in soybean. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:1603-1619. [PMID: 38869305 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13682] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Flowering time and maturity are crucial agronomic traits that affect the regional adaptability of soybean plants. The development of soybean cultivars with early maturity adapted to longer days and colder climates of high latitudes is very important for ensuring normal ripening before frost begins. FUL belongs to the MADS-box transcription factor family and has several duplicated members in soybeans. In this study, we observed that overexpression of GmFULc in the Dongnong 50 cultivar promoted soybean maturity, while GmFULc knockout mutants exhibited late maturity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that GmFULc could bind to the CArG, bHLH and homeobox motifs. Further investigation revealed that GmFULc could directly bind to the CArG motif in the promoters of the GmZTL3 and GmZTL4 genes. Overexpression of GmZTL4 promoted soybean maturity, whereas the ztl4 mutants exhibited delayed maturity. Moreover, we found that the cis element box 4 motif of the GmZTL4 promoter, a motif of light response elements, played an important role in controlling the growth period. Deletion of this motif shortened the growth period by increasing the expression levels of GmZTL4. Functional investigations revealed that short-day treatment promoted the binding of GmFULc to the promoter of GmZTL4 and inhibited the expression of E1 and E1Lb, ultimately resulting in the promotion of flowering and early maturation. Taken together, these findings suggest a novel photoperiod regulatory pathway in which GmFULc directly activates GmZTL4 to promote earlier maturity in soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhe Sun
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Yucheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yuhong Zheng
- Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China Agricultural Science and Technology Northeast Innovation Center, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Yongguo Xue
- Institute of Soybean Research, Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yuhuan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Xiaofei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yujia Ji
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Gaoyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yang Li
- Depatment of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, 45701, Ohio, USA
| | - Shuming Wang
- Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China Agricultural Science and Technology Northeast Innovation Center, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Zhixi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Ministry of Education China, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
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Caballo C, Berbel A, Ortega R, Gil J, Millán T, Rubio J, Madueño F. The SINGLE FLOWER (SFL) gene encodes a MYB transcription factor that regulates the number of flowers produced by the inflorescence of chickpea. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 234:827-836. [PMID: 35122280 PMCID: PMC9314632 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Legumes usually have compound inflorescences, where flowers/pods develop from secondary inflorescences (I2), formed laterally at the primary inflorescence (I1). Number of flowers per I2, characteristic of each legume species, has important ecological and evolutionary relevance as it determines diversity in inflorescence architecture; moreover, it is also agronomically important for its potential impact on yield. Nevertheless, the genetic network controlling the number of flowers per I2 is virtually unknown. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) typically produces one flower per I2 but single flower (sfl) mutants produce two (double-pod phenotype). We isolated the SFL gene by mapping the sfl-d mutation and identifying and characterising a second mutant allele. We analysed the effect of sfl on chickpea inflorescence ontogeny with scanning electron microscopy and studied the expression of SFL and meristem identity genes by RNA in situ hybridisation. We show that SFL corresponds to CaRAX1/2a, which codes a MYB transcription factor specifically expressed in the I2 meristem. Our findings reveal SFL as a central factor controlling chickpea inflorescence architecture, acting in the I2 meristem to regulate the length of the period for which it remains active, and therefore determining the number of floral meristems that it can produce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Caballo
- Área de Mejora y BiotecnologíaIFAPAAlameda del Obispo14080CórdobaSpain
| | - Ana Berbel
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de PlantasCSIC‐UPVCampus de Vera46022ValenciaSpain
| | - Raúl Ortega
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobart7001TasmaniaAustralia
| | - Juan Gil
- Department of Genetics ETSIAMUniversity of Córdoba14071CórdobaSpain
| | - Teresa Millán
- Department of Genetics ETSIAMUniversity of Córdoba14071CórdobaSpain
| | - Josefa Rubio
- Área de Mejora y BiotecnologíaIFAPAAlameda del Obispo14080CórdobaSpain
| | - Francisco Madueño
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de PlantasCSIC‐UPVCampus de Vera46022ValenciaSpain
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Ayra L, Reyero-Saavedra MDR, Isidra-Arellano MC, Lozano L, Ramírez M, Leija A, Fuentes SI, Girard L, Valdés-López O, Hernández G. Control of the Rhizobia Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosis by Common Bean MADS-Domain/AGL Transcription Factors. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:679463. [PMID: 34163511 PMCID: PMC8216239 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.679463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Plants MADS-domain/AGL proteins constitute a large transcription factor (TF) family that controls the development of almost every plant organ. We performed a phylogeny of (ca. 500) MADS-domain proteins from Arabidopsis and four legume species. We identified clades with Arabidopsis MADS-domain proteins known to participate in root development that grouped legume MADS-proteins with similar high expression in roots and nodules. In this work, we analyzed the role of AGL transcription factors in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) - Rhizobium etli N-fixing symbiosis. Sixteen P. vulgaris AGL genes (PvAGL), out of 93 family members, are expressed - at different levels - in roots and nodules. From there, we selected the PvAGL gene denominated PvFUL-like for overexpression or silencing in composite plants, with transgenic roots and nodules, that were used for phenotypic analysis upon inoculation with Rhizobium etli. Because of sequence identity in the DNA sequence used for RNAi-FUL-like construct, roots, and nodules expressing this construct -referred to as RNAi_AGL- showed lower expression of other five PvAGL genes highly expressed in roots/nodules. Contrasting with PvFUL-like overexpressing plants, rhizobia-inoculated plants expressing the RNAi_AGL silencing construct presented affection in the generation and growth of transgenic roots from composite plants, both under non-inoculated or rhizobia-inoculated condition. Furthermore, the rhizobia-inoculated plants showed decreased rhizobial infection concomitant with the lower expression level of early symbiotic genes and increased number of small, ineffective nodules that indicate an alteration in the autoregulation of the nodulation symbiotic process. We propose that the positive effects of PvAGL TF in the rhizobia symbiotic processes result from its potential interplay with NIN, the master symbiotic TF regulator, that showed a CArG-box consensus DNA sequence recognized for DNA binding of AGL TF and presented an increased or decreased expression level in roots from non-inoculated plants transformed with OE_FUL or RNAi_AGL construct, respectively. Our work contributes to defining novel transcriptional regulators for the common bean - rhizobia N-fixing symbiosis, a relevant process for sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litzy Ayra
- Programa de Genómica Funcional de Eukaryotes, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - María del Rocio Reyero-Saavedra
- Laboratorio de Genómica Funcional de Leguminosas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico
| | - Mariel C. Isidra-Arellano
- Laboratorio de Genómica Funcional de Leguminosas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico
| | - Luis Lozano
- Unidad de Análisis Bioinformáticos, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Mario Ramírez
- Programa de Genómica Funcional de Eukaryotes, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Leija
- Programa de Genómica Funcional de Eukaryotes, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Sara-Isabel Fuentes
- Programa de Genómica Funcional de Eukaryotes, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Girard
- Programa de Biología de Sistemas y Biología Sintética, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Oswaldo Valdés-López
- Laboratorio de Genómica Funcional de Leguminosas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico
| | - Georgina Hernández
- Programa de Genómica Funcional de Eukaryotes, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Thangavel G, Nayar S. A Survey of MIKC Type MADS-Box Genes in Non-seed Plants: Algae, Bryophytes, Lycophytes and Ferns. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:510. [PMID: 29720991 PMCID: PMC5915566 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
MADS box transcription factors have been studied extensively in flowering plants but remain less studied in non-seed plants. MADS box is one such example of a gene which is prevalent across many classes of plants ranging from chlorophyta to embryophyta as well as fungi and animals. MADS box transcription factors are of two types, Type I and Type II. Type II transcription factors (TF) that consist of a MADS domain, I region, K domain, and C terminal domain are discussed in this review. The Type II/ MIKC class is widespread across charophytes and all major lineages of land plants but unknown in green and red algae. These transcription factors have been implicated in floral development in seed plants and thus the question arises, "What is their role in non-seed plants?" From the studies reviewed here it can be gathered that unlike seed plants, MIKCC genes in non-seed plants have roles in both gametophytic and sporophytic generations and contribute to the development of both vegetative and reproductive structures. On the other hand as previously observed in seed plants, MIKC* genes of non-seed plants have a conserved role during gametophyte development. With respect to evolution of MIKC genes in non-seed plants, the number of common ancestors is probably very few at each branch. The expansion of this gene family in seed plants and increased plant complexity seem to be correlated. As gradually the genomes of non-seed plants are becoming available it is worthwhile to gather the existing information about MADS box genes in non-seed plants. This review highlights various MIKC MADS box genes discovered so far in non-seed plants, their possible roles and an insight into their evolution.
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Nanjareddy K, Arthikala MK, Gómez BM, Blanco L, Lara M. Differentially expressed genes in mycorrhized and nodulated roots of common bean are associated with defense, cell wall architecture, N metabolism, and P metabolism. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182328. [PMID: 28771548 PMCID: PMC5542541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Legumes participate in two important endosymbiotic associations, with phosphorus-acquiring arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM, soil fungi) and with nitrogen-fixing bacterial rhizobia. These divergent symbionts share a common symbiotic signal transduction pathway that facilitates the establishment of mycorrhization and nodulation in legumes. However, the unique and shared downstream genes essential for AM and nodule development have not been identified in crop legumes. Here, we used ion torrent next-generation sequencing to perform comparative transcriptomics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) roots colonized by AM or rhizobia. We analyzed global gene expression profiles to identify unique and shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that regulate these two symbiotic interactions, and quantitatively compared DEG profiles. We identified 3,219 (1,959 upregulated and 1,260 downregulated) and 2,645 (1,247 upregulated and 1,398 downregulated) unigenes that were differentially expressed in response to mycorrhizal or rhizobial colonization, respectively, compared with uninoculated roots. We obtained quantitative expression profiles of unique and shared genes involved in processes related to defense, cell wall structure, N metabolism, and P metabolism in mycorrhized and nodulated roots. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that most genes involved in jasmonic acid and salicylic acid signaling, N metabolism, and inositol phosphate metabolism are variably expressed during symbiotic interactions. These combined data provide valuable information on symbiotic gene signaling networks that respond to mycorrhizal and rhizobial colonization, and serve as a guide for future genetic strategies to enhance P uptake and N-fixing capacity to increase the net yield of this valuable grain legume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Nanjareddy
- Ciencias Agrogenómicas, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Manoj-Kumar Arthikala
- Ciencias Agrogenómicas, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Brenda-Mariana Gómez
- Ciencias Agrogenómicas, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Lourdes Blanco
- Ciencias Agrogenómicas, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), León, Guanajuato, México
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Miguel Lara
- Ciencias Agrogenómicas, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), León, Guanajuato, México
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México, México
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Liu W, Han X, Zhan G, Zhao Z, Feng Y, Wu C. A Novel Sucrose-Regulatory MADS-Box Transcription Factor GmNMHC5 Promotes Root Development and Nodulation in Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:20657-73. [PMID: 26404246 PMCID: PMC4613224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160920657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The MADS-box protein family includes many transcription factors that have a conserved DNA-binding MADS-box domain. The proteins in this family were originally recognized to play prominent roles in floral development. Recent findings, especially with regard to the regulatory roles of the AGL17 subfamily in root development, have greatly broadened their known functions. In this study, a gene from soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.), GmNMHC5, was cloned from the Zigongdongdou cultivar and identified as a member of the AGL17 subfamily. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis showed that GmNMHC5 was expressed at much higher levels in roots and nodules than in other organs. The activation of expression was first examined in leaves and roots, followed by shoot apexes. GmNMHC5 expression levels rose sharply when the plants were treated under short-day conditions (SD) and started to pod, whereas low levels were maintained in non-podding plants under long-day conditions (LD). Furthermore, overexpression of GmNMHC5 in transgenic soybean significantly promoted lateral root development and nodule building. Moreover, GmNMHC5 is upregulated by exogenous sucrose. These results indicate that GmNMHC5 can sense the sucrose signal and plays significant roles in lateral root development and nodule building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement and MOA Key Lab of Soybean Biology (Beijing), Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Xiangdong Han
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement and MOA Key Lab of Soybean Biology (Beijing), Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Ge Zhan
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement and MOA Key Lab of Soybean Biology (Beijing), Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Zhenfang Zhao
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement and MOA Key Lab of Soybean Biology (Beijing), Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yongjun Feng
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, 5 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Cunxiang Wu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement and MOA Key Lab of Soybean Biology (Beijing), Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
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The pleiotropic effects of extract containing rhizobial Nod factors on pea growth and yield. Open Life Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.2478/s11535-013-0277-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRhizobial lipochitooligosacharides (Nod factors) influence the development of legume roots, including growth stimulation, nodule induction and root hair curling. However, their effect on the green parts of plants is less known, therefore we evaluated seed and foliar application of an extract containing Nod factors on pea growth and yield. Pea plants were examined from emergence to full maturity, including growth dynamics and morphological (nodule number and weight, the quantity and surface area of leaves) or physiological (photosynthesis and transpiration intensity, chlorophyll and nitrogen content) parameters. The foliar application Nod factor extract, or seed dressing followed by foliar application, resulted in the best outcomes. The number and weight of root nodules, the chlorophyll content in leaves, and the intensity of net photosynthesis were all elevated. As a consequence of Nod factor treatment, the dynamics of dry mass accumulation of pea organs were improved and the pod number was increased. A significant increase in pea yield was observed after Nod factor application. Increase of nodule and pod numbers and improved growth of roots appear to be amongst the beneficial effects of Nod factor extract on the activation of secondary plant meristems.
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Barker EI, Ashton NW. A parsimonious model of lineage-specific expansion of MADS-box genes in Physcomitrella patens. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2013; 32:1161-77. [PMID: 23525745 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-013-1411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The MADS-box gene family expanded in the lineage leading to the moss, Physcomitrella patens , mainly as a result of polyploidisations and/or large-scale segmental duplication events and to a lesser extent by tandem duplications. Plant MADS-box genes comprise a large family best known for the roles of type II MIKC (C) genes in floral organogenesis, but also including type II MIKC* genes, some of which have been implicated in male gametophytic development, and type I genes, a few of which are involved in ontogeny of female gametophytes, seeds and embryos. Genome-wide analyses of the MADS-box family in angiosperms have revealed numeric predominance of type I and MIKC (C) genes and cross-species phylogenetic clustering of the Mα, Mβ and Mγ subtypes of type I genes and of 12 major subgroups of MIKC (C) genes. The genome sequence of Physcomitrella patens has facilitated investigation of its full complement of 26 MADS-box genes, including 6 MIKC (C) genes, 11 MIKC* genes, seven type I genes and two pseudogenes. A much higher degree of similarity in sequence and architecture within the MIKC (C) and MIKC* gene subtypes exists in Physcomitrella than in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, MADS-box and K-box sequence is highly conserved between the MIKC (C) and MIKC* subgroups in Physcomitrella. Nine MIKC* genes and two MIKC (C) genes are located in pairs or triplets on individual DNA scaffolds. Phylogenetic gene clustering, gene architectures and gene linkages (directly determined from examination of the genome sequence) underpin a parsimonious model of two tandem duplications and three segmental duplication events, which can account for lineage-specific expansion of the MADS-box gene family in Physcomitrella from 4 members to 26. Two of these segmental duplication events may be indicative of polyploidisations, one of which has been postulated previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- E I Barker
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
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Becker A, Alix K, Damerval C. The evolution of flower development: current understanding and future challenges. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2011; 107:1427-31. [PMID: 21793247 PMCID: PMC3108812 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcr122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Becker
- University of Bremen, Evolutionary Developmental Genetics Group, Leobener Str., UFT, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Catherine Damerval
- CNRS – UMR 0320/8120 Génétique Végétale INRA/Univ. Paris-Sud/CNRS/AgroParisTech, Ferme du Moulon, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- For correspondence. E-mail
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Benlloch R, Roque E, Ferrándiz C, Cosson V, Caballero T, Penmetsa RV, Beltrán JP, Cañas LA, Ratet P, Madueño F. Analysis of B function in legumes: PISTILLATA proteins do not require the PI motif for floral organ development in Medicago truncatula. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 60:102-11. [PMID: 19500303 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2009.03939.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The B-class gene PISTILLATA (PI) codes for a MADS-box transcription factor required for floral organ identity in angiosperms. Unlike Arabidopsis, it has been suggested that legume PI genes contribute to a variety of processes, such as the development of floral organs, floral common petal-stamen primordia, complex leaves and N-fixing root nodules. Another interesting feature of legume PI homologues is that some of them lack the highly conserved C-terminal PI motif suggested to be crucial for function. Therefore, legume PI genes are useful for addressing controversial questions on the evolution of B-class gene function, including how they may have diverged in both function and structure to affect different developmental processes. However, functional analysis of legume PI genes has been hampered because no mutation in any B-class gene has been identified in legumes. Here we fill this gap by studying the PI function in the model legume species Medicago truncatula using mutant and RNAi approaches. Like other legume species, M. truncatula has two PI homologues. The expression of the two genes, MtPI and MtNGL9, has strongly diverged, suggesting differences in function. Our analyses show that these genes are required for petal and stamen identity, where MtPI appears to play a predominant role. However, they appear not to be required for development of the nodule, the common primordia or the complex leaf. Moreover, both M. truncatula PI homologues lack the PI motif, which indicates that the C-terminal motif is not essential for PI activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyes Benlloch
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), UPV-CSIC., 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Páez-Valencia J, Valencia-Mayoral P, Sánchez-Gómez C, Contreras-Ramos A, Hernández-Lucas I, Martínez-Barajas E, Gamboa-deBuen A. Identification of Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase cytosolic class I as an NMH7 MADS domain associated protein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 376:700-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.09.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2008] [Accepted: 09/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Asamizu E, Shimoda Y, Kouchi H, Tabata S, Sato S. A positive regulatory role for LjERF1 in the nodulation process is revealed by systematic analysis of nodule-associated transcription factors of Lotus japonicus. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 147:2030-40. [PMID: 18567832 PMCID: PMC2492631 DOI: 10.1104/pp.108.118141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
We have used reverse genetics to identify genes involved in legume-rhizobium symbiosis in Lotus japonicus. We obtained the sequences of 20 putative transcription factors from previously reported large-scale transcriptome data. The transcription factors were classified according to their DNA binding domains and patterns of expression during the nodulation process. We identified two homologues of Medicago truncatula MtHAP2-1, which encodes a CCAAT-binding protein and has been shown to play a role in nodulation. The functions of the remaining genes in the nodulation process have not been reported. Seven genes were found to encode proteins with AP2-EREBP domains, six of which were similar to proteins that have been implicated in ethylene and/or jasmonic acid signal transduction and defense gene regulation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We identified a gene, LjERF1, that is most similar to Arabidopsis ERF1, which is up-regulated by ethylene and jasmonic acid and activates downstream defense genes. LjERF1 showed the same pattern of up-regulation in roots as Arabidopsis ERF1. The nodulation phenotype of roots that overexpressed LjERF1 or inhibited LjERF1 expression using an RNA interference construct indicated that this gene functions as a positive regulator of nodulation. We propose that LjERF1 functions as a key regulator of successful infection of L. japonicus by Mesorhizobium loti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Asamizu
- Department of Plant Genome Research, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0818, Japan.
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Udvardi MK, Kakar K, Wandrey M, Montanari O, Murray J, Andriankaja A, Zhang JY, Benedito V, Hofer JMI, Chueng F, Town CD. Legume transcription factors: global regulators of plant development and response to the environment. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2007; 144:538-49. [PMID: 17556517 PMCID: PMC1914172 DOI: 10.1104/pp.107.098061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 03/24/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
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14
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Pislariu CI, Dickstein R. An IRE-like AGC kinase gene, MtIRE, has unique expression in the invasion zone of developing root nodules in Medicago truncatula. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2007; 144:682-94. [PMID: 17237187 PMCID: PMC1914176 DOI: 10.1104/pp.106.092494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 01/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The AGC protein kinase family (cAMP-dependent protein kinases A, cGMP-dependent protein kinases G, and phospholipid-dependent protein kinases C) have important roles regulating growth and development in animals and fungi. They are activated via lipid second messengers by 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase coupling lipid signals to phosphorylation of the AGC kinases. These phosphorylate downstream signal transduction protein targets. AGC kinases are becoming better studied in plants, especially in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), where specific AGC kinases have been shown to have key roles in regulating growth signal pathways. We report here the isolation and characterization of the first AGC kinase gene identified in Medicago truncatula, MtIRE. It was cloned by homology with the Arabidopsis INCOMPLETE ROOT HAIR ELONGATION (IRE) gene. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis shows that, unlike its Arabidopsis counterpart, MtIRE is not expressed in uninoculated roots, but is expressed in root systems that have been inoculated with Sinorhizobium meliloti and are developing root nodules. MtIRE expression is also found in flowers. Expression analysis of a time course of nodule development and of nodulating root systems of many Medicago nodulation mutants shows MtIRE expression correlates with infected cell maturation during nodule development. During the course of these experiments, nine Medicago nodulation mutants, including sli and dnf1 to 7 mutants, were evaluated for the first time for their microscopic nodule phenotype using S. meliloti constitutively expressing lacZ. Spatial localization of a pMtIRE-gusA transgene in transformed roots of composite plants showed that MtIRE expression is confined to the proximal part of the invasion zone, zone II, found in indeterminate nodules. This suggests MtIRE is useful as an expression marker for this region of the invasion zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina I Pislariu
- University of North Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, Denton, Texas 76203-5220, USA
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Benlloch R, d'Erfurth I, Ferrandiz C, Cosson V, Beltrán JP, Cañas LA, Kondorosi A, Madueño F, Ratet P. Isolation of mtpim proves Tnt1 a useful reverse genetics tool in Medicago truncatula and uncovers new aspects of AP1-like functions in legumes. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2006; 142:972-83. [PMID: 16963524 PMCID: PMC1630737 DOI: 10.1104/pp.106.083543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Comparative studies help shed light on how the huge diversity in plant forms found in nature has been produced. We use legume species to study developmental differences in inflorescence architecture and flower ontogeny with classical models such as Arabidopsis thaliana or Antirrhinum majus. Whereas genetic control of these processes has been analyzed mostly in pea (Pisum sativum), Medicago truncatula is emerging as a promising alternative system for these studies due to the availability of a range of genetic tools. To assess the use of the retrotransposon Tnt1 for reverse genetics in M. truncatula, we screened a small Tnt1-mutagenized population using degenerate primers for MADS-box genes, known controllers of plant development. We describe here the characterization of mtpim, a new mutant caused by the insertion of Tnt1 in a homolog to the PROLIFERATING INFLORESCENCE MERISTEM (PIM)/APETALA1 (AP1)/SQUAMOSA genes. mtpim shows flower-to-inflorescence conversion and altered flowers with sepals transformed into leaves, indicating that MtPIM controls floral meristem identity and flower development. Although more extreme, this phenotype resembles the pea pim mutants, supporting the idea that M. truncatula could be used to complement analysis of reproductive development already initiated in pea. In fact, our study reveals aspects not shown by analysis of pea mutants: that the mutation in the AP1 homolog interferes with the specification of floral organs from common primordia and causes conversion of sepals into leaves, in addition to true conversion of flowers into inflorescences. The isolation of mtpim represents a proof of concept demonstrating that Tnt1 populations can be efficiently used in reverse genetics screenings in M. truncatula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyes Benlloch
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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16
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Domoney C, Duc G, Ellis THN, Ferrándiz C, Firnhaber C, Gallardo K, Hofer J, Kopka J, Küster H, Madueño F, Munier-Jolain NG, Mayer K, Thompson R, Udvardi M, Salon C. Genetic and genomic analysis of legume flowers and seeds. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2006; 9:133-41. [PMID: 16480914 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2006.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2005] [Accepted: 01/25/2006] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
New tools, such as ordered mutant libraries, microarrays and sequence based comparative maps, are available for genetic and genomic studies of legumes that are being used to shed light on seed production, the objective of most arable farming. The new information and understanding brought by these tools are revealing the biological processes that underpin and impact on seed production.
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Wu C, Ma Q, Yam KM, Cheung MY, Xu Y, Han T, Lam HM, Chong K. In situ expression of the GmNMH7 gene is photoperiod-dependent in a unique soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) flowering reversion system. PLANTA 2006; 223:725-35. [PMID: 16208488 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-005-0130-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2005] [Accepted: 08/27/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Soybean is a short-day plant and its flowering process can be reversed when switching from short-day to long-day conditions. Flowering reversion provides a useful system to study the flowering process in both forward and backward directions. In this study, we optimized a soybean flowering reversion system using a photoperiod-sensitive cultivar Zigongdongdou. Three types of terminal structures were found during flowering reversion: reversed terminal raceme (RTR), short terminal raceme (STR), and vegetative terminal (VT). The relative frequency of these terminal structures during flowering reversion under long day was dependent on the duration of the prior short day (SD) pretreatment. This process is phytochrome dependent and young plants were more susceptible to flowering reversion. Leaf removal increased the minimal SD period needed for the induction of STR. To demonstrate the application of this system, we studied the patterns of in situ expression of the GmNMH7 gene during flowering development and reversion. NMH7 family members encode MADS-box proteins and are unique in legume families since their expression can be detected in both developing flowers and nodules. In situ hybridization experiments using plants grown under different photoperiod cycles provided several lines of evidence supporting a close relationship between GmNMH7 gene expression and floral development in soybean. Furthermore, it seems that GmNMH7 may participate in flower development at different stages. Interestingly, the expression pattern of GmNMH7 in root nodules was also found to be regulated by photoperiod. These results support the notion that the photoperiod sensitive GmNMH7 gene may play multiple roles in growth and development in soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunxiang Wu
- National Soybean Improvement Sub-center, Institute of Crop Sciences, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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18
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Lohar DP, Sharopova N, Endre G, Peñuela S, Samac D, Town C, Silverstein KAT, VandenBosch KA. Transcript analysis of early nodulation events in Medicago truncatula. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2006; 140:221-34. [PMID: 16377745 PMCID: PMC1326046 DOI: 10.1104/pp.105.070326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2005] [Revised: 11/03/2005] [Accepted: 11/09/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Within the first 72 h of the interaction between rhizobia and their host plants, nodule primordium induction and infection occur. We predicted that transcription profiling of early stages of the symbiosis between Medicago truncatula roots and Sinorhizobium meliloti would identify regulated plant genes that likely condition key events in nodule initiation. Therefore, using a microarray with about 6,000 cDNAs, we compared transcripts from inoculated and uninoculated roots corresponding to defined stages between 1 and 72 h post inoculation (hpi). Hundreds of genes of both known and unknown function were significantly regulated at these time points. Four stages of the interaction were recognized based on gene expression profiles, and potential marker genes for these stages were identified. Some genes that were regulated differentially during stages I (1 hpi) and II (6-12 hpi) of the interaction belong to families encoding proteins involved in calcium transport and binding, reactive oxygen metabolism, and cytoskeleton and cell wall functions. Genes involved in cell proliferation were found to be up-regulated during stages III (24-48 hpi) and IV (72 hpi). Many genes that are homologs of defense response genes were up-regulated during stage I but down-regulated later, likely facilitating infection thread progression into the root cortex. Additionally, genes putatively involved in signal transduction and transcriptional regulation were found to be differentially regulated in the inoculated roots at each time point. The findings shed light on the complexity of coordinated gene regulation and will be useful for continued dissection of the early steps in symbiosis.
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Berbel A, Navarro C, Ferrándiz C, Cañas LA, Beltrán JP, Madueño F. Functional conservation of PISTILLATA activity in a pea homolog lacking the PI motif. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2005; 139:174-85. [PMID: 16113230 PMCID: PMC1203367 DOI: 10.1104/pp.104.057687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2004] [Revised: 02/23/2005] [Accepted: 06/01/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Current understanding of floral development is mainly based on what we know from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and Antirrhinum majus. However, we can learn more by comparing developmental mechanisms that may explain morphological differences between species. A good example comes from the analysis of genes controlling flower development in pea (Pisum sativum), a plant with more complex leaves and inflorescences than Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, and a different floral ontogeny. The analysis of UNIFOLIATA (UNI) and STAMINA PISTILLOIDA (STP), the pea orthologs of LEAFY and UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS, has revealed a common link in the regulation of flower and leaf development not apparent in Arabidopsis. While the Arabidopsis genes mainly behave as key regulators of flower development, where they control the expression of B-function genes, UNI and STP also contribute to the development of the pea compound leaf. Here, we describe the characterization of P. sativum PISTILLATA (PsPI), a pea MADS-box gene homologous to B-function genes like PI and GLOBOSA (GLO), from Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, respectively. PsPI encodes for an atypical PI-type polypeptide that lacks the highly conserved C-terminal PI motif. Nevertheless, constitutive expression of PsPI in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis shows that it can specifically replace the function of PI, being able to complement the strong pi-1 mutant. Accordingly, PsPI expression in pea flowers, which is dependent on STP, is identical to PI and GLO. Interestingly, PsPI is also transiently expressed in young leaves, suggesting a role of PsPI in pea leaf development, a possibility that fits with the established role of UNI and STP in the control of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Berbel
- Departamento de Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain
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20
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Colebatch G, Desbrosses G, Ott T, Krusell L, Montanari O, Kloska S, Kopka J, Udvardi MK. Global changes in transcription orchestrate metabolic differentiation during symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Lotus japonicus. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2004; 39:487-512. [PMID: 15272870 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2004.02150.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Research on legume nodule metabolism has contributed greatly to our knowledge of primary carbon and nitrogen metabolism in plants in general, and in symbiotic nitrogen fixation in particular. However, most previous studies focused on one or a few genes/enzymes involved in selected metabolic pathways in many different legume species. We utilized the tools of transcriptomics and metabolomics to obtain an unprecedented overview of the metabolic differentiation that results from nodule development in the model legume, Lotus japonicus. Using an array of more than 5000 nodule cDNA clones, representing 2500 different genes, we identified approximately 860 genes that were more highly expressed in nodules than in roots. One-third of these are involved in metabolism and transport, and over 100 encode proteins that are likely to be involved in signalling, or regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. Several metabolic pathways appeared to be co-ordinately upregulated in nodules, including glycolysis, CO(2) fixation, amino acid biosynthesis, and purine, haem, and redox metabolism. Insight into the physiological conditions that prevail within nodules was obtained from specific sets of induced genes. In addition to the expected signs of hypoxia, numerous indications were obtained that nodule cells also experience P-limitation and osmotic stress. Several potential regulators of these stress responses were identified. Metabolite profiling by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry revealed a distinct metabolic phenotype for nodules that reflected the global changes in metabolism inferred from transcriptome analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Colebatch
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Golm, Germany
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21
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Rodríguez-Llorente ID, Pérez-Hormaeche J, El Mounadi K, Dary M, Caviedes MA, Cosson V, Kondorosi A, Ratet P, Palomares AJ. From pollen tubes to infection threads: recruitment of Medicago floral pectic genes for symbiosis. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2004; 39:587-98. [PMID: 15272876 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2004.02155.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
While the biology of nitrogen-fixing root nodules has been extensively studied, little is known about the evolutionary events that predisposed legume plants to form symbiosis with rhizobia. We have studied the presence and the expression of two pectic gene families in Medicago, polygalacturonases (PGs) and pectin methyl esterases (PMEs) during the early steps of the Sinorhizobium meliloti-Medicago interaction and compared them with related pollen-specific genes. First, we have compared the expression of MsPG3, a PG gene specifically expressed during the symbiotic interaction, with the expression of MsPG11, a highly homologous pollen-specific gene, using promoter-gus fusions in transgenic M. truncatula and tobacco plants. These results demonstrated that the symbiotic promoter functions as a pollen-specific promoter in the non-legume host. Second, we have identified the presence of a gene family of at least eight differentially expressed PMEs in Medicago. One subfamily is represented by one symbiotic gene (MtPER) and two pollen-expressed genes (MtPEF1 and MtPEF2) that are clustered in the M. truncatula genome. The promoter-gus studies presented in this work and the homology between plant PGs, together with the analysis of the PME locus structure and MtPER expression studies, suggest that the symbiotic MsPG3 and MtPER could have as ancestors pollen-expressed genes involved in polar tip growth processes during pollen tube elongation. Moreover, they could have been recruited after gene duplication in the symbiotic interaction to facilitate polar tip growth during infection thread formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio D Rodríguez-Llorente
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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Calonje M, Cubas P, Martínez-Zapater JM, Carmona MJ. Floral meristem identity genes are expressed during tendril development in grapevine. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2004; 135:1491-501. [PMID: 15247405 PMCID: PMC519065 DOI: 10.1104/pp.104.040832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2004] [Revised: 04/21/2004] [Accepted: 04/26/2004] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
To study the early steps of flower initiation and development in grapevine (Vitis vinifera), we have isolated two MADS-box genes, VFUL-L and VAP1, the putative FUL-like and AP1 grapevine orthologs, and analyzed their expression patterns during vegetative and reproductive development. Both genes are expressed in lateral meristems that, in grapevine, can give rise to either inflorescences or tendrils. They are also coexpressed in inflorescence and flower meristems. During flower development, VFUL-L transcripts are restricted to the central part of young flower meristems and, later, to the prospective carpel-forming region, which is consistent with a role of this gene in floral transition and carpel and fruit development. Expression pattern of VAP1 suggests that it may play a role in flowering transition and flower development. However, its lack of expression in sepal primordia, does not support its role as an A-function gene in grapevine. Neither VFUL-L nor VAP1 expression was detected in vegetative organs such as leaves or roots. In contrast, they are expressed throughout tendril development. Transcription of both genes in tendrils of very young plants that have not undergone flowering transition indicates that this expression is independent of the flowering process. These unique expression patterns of genes typically involved in reproductive development have implications on our understanding of flower induction and initiation in grapevine, on the origin of grapevine tendrils and on the functional roles of AP1-and FUL-like genes in plant development. These results also provide molecular support to the hypothesis that Vitis tendrils are modified reproductive organs adapted to climb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Calonje
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Escuela Técnica Superior Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Szczyglowski
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre, 1391 Sandford Street, London, Ontario N5V 4T3, Canada.
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