The Experts below are selected from a list of 4314 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Stefan De Folter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Transcriptome analysis of Gynoecium morphogenesis uncovers the chronology of gene regulatory network activity
Plant physiology, 2020Co-Authors: Kimmo I Kivivirta, Nayelli Marsch-martínez, Stefan De Folter, Denise Brigitte Herbert, Clemens Roessner, Annette BeckerAbstract:The Gynoecium is the most complex organ formed by the flowering plants. It encloses the ovules, provides a surface for pollen contact and self-incompatibility reactions, allows pollen tube growth, and, post fertilization, develops into the fruit. Consequently, the regulation of Gynoecium morphogenesis is complex and appropriate timing of this process in part determines reproductive success. However, little is known about the global control of Gynoecium development, even though many regulatory genes have been characterized. Here, we characterized dynamic gene expression changes using laser-microdissected Gynoecium tissue from four developmental stages in Arabidopsis. We provide a high-resolution map of global expression dynamics during Gynoecium morphogenesis and link these to the Gynoecium interactome. We reveal groups of genes acting together early and others acting late in morphogenesis. Clustering of co-expressed genes enables comparisons between the leaf, shoot apex, and Gynoecium transcriptomes, allowing the dissection of common and distinct regulators. Furthermore, our results lead to the discovery of genes with putative transcription factor activity (B3LF1, -2, DOFLF1), which, when mutated, lead to impaired Gynoecium expansion, illustrating that global transcriptome analyses reveal yet unknown developmental regulators. Our data show that genes encoding highly interacting proteins, such as SEPALLATA3, AGAMOUS, and TOPLESS, are expressed evenly during development but switch interactors over time, whereas stage-specific proteins tend to have fewer interactors. Our analysis connects specific transcriptional regulator activities, protein interactions, and underlying metabolic processes, contributing toward a dynamic network model for Gynoecium development.
-
Redundant and Non-redundant Functions of the AHK Cytokinin Receptors During Gynoecium Development.
Frontiers in plant science, 2020Co-Authors: Vincent E Cerbantez-bueno, J. Irepan Reyes-olalde, Victor M. Zúñiga-mayo, Nayelli Marsch-martínez, Humberto Herrera-ubaldo, Paulina Lozano-sotomayor, Stefan De FolterAbstract:The phytohormone cytokinin is crucial for plant growth and development. The site of action of cytokinin in the plant is dependent on the expression of the cytokinin receptors. In Arabidopsis, there are three cytokinin receptors that present some overlap in expression pattern. Functional studies demonstrated that the receptors play highly redundant roles but also have specialized functions. Here, we focus on Gynoecium development, which is the female reproductive part of the plant. Cytokinin signaling has been demonstrated to be important for reproductive development, positively affecting seed yield and fruit production. Most of these developmental processes are regulated by cytokinin during early Gynoecium development. While some information is available, there is a gap in knowledge on cytokinin function and especially on the cytokinin receptors during early Gynoecium development. Therefore, we studied the expression patterns and the role of the cytokinin receptors during Gynoecium development. We found that the three receptors are expressed in the Gynoecium and that they have redundant and specialized functions.
-
High-resolution temporal transcript profiling during Arabidopsis thaliana Gynoecium morphogenesis uncovers the chronology of gene regulatory network activity and reveals novel developmental regulators
2020Co-Authors: Kimmo I Kivivirta, Nayelli Marsch-martínez, Stefan De Folter, Denise Brigitte Herbert, Clemens Roessner, Annette BeckerAbstract:Abstract The Gynoecium is the most complex organ formed by the flowering plants. It encloses the ovules, provides a surface for pollen contact and self-incompatibility reactions, allows pollen tube growth and, post fertilization, and develops into the fruit. Consequently, the regulation of Gynoecium morphogenesis is complex and appropriate timing of this process in part determines reproductive success. However, little is known about the global control of Gynoecium development, even though many regulatory genes have been characterized. Here, we characterized dynamic gene expression changes using laser-microdissected Gynoecium tissue from four developmental stages in Arabidopsis. We provide a high-resolution map of global expression dynamics during Gynoecium morphogenesis and link these to the Gynoecium interactome. We reveal groups of genes acting together early and others acting late in morphogenesis. Clustering of co-expressed genes enables comparisons between the leaf, shoot apex, and Gynoecium transcriptomes allowing the dissection of common and distinct regulators. Furthermore, our results lead to the discovery of the LESSER FERTILITY1-4 (LEF1-4) genes, which, when mutated, lead to impaired Gynoecium expansion, illustrating that global transcriptome analyses reveal yet unknown developmental regulators. Our data show that highly interacting proteins, such as SEPALLATA3, AGAMOUS, and TOPLESS are expressed more evenly during development, but switch interactors in time, whereas stage-specific proteins have only few interactors. Our analysis connects specific transcriptional regulator activities, protein interactions, and underlying metabolic processes towards the development of a dynamic network model for Gynoecium development.
-
Gynoecium size and ovule number are interconnected traits that impact seed yield.
Journal of experimental botany, 2020Co-Authors: M. Cucinotta, Stefan De Folter, M. Di Marzo, A. Guazzotti, M.m. Kater, L. ColomboAbstract: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.
-
Gynoecium size and ovule number are interconnected traits that impact seed yield
'Oxford University Press (OUP)', 2020Co-Authors: M. Cucinotta, Stefan De Folter, M. Di Marzo, A. Guazzotti, M.m. Kater, L. ColomboAbstract:Angiosperms form the biggest group of land plants and display an astonishing diversity of floral structures. The development of the 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, their spacing on the placenta, and ovule 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 opens 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
Eva Sundberg - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
cytokinin auxin crosstalk in the gynoecial primordium ensures correct domain patterning
Plant Physiology, 2017Co-Authors: Christina Joy Muller, Emma Larsson, Lukas Spichal, Eva SundbergAbstract:The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Gynoecium consists of two congenitally fused carpels made up of two lateral valve domains and two medial domains, which retain meristematic properties and later fuse to produce the female reproductive structures vital for fertilization. Polar auxin transport (PAT) is important for setting up distinct apical auxin signaling domains in the early floral meristem remnants allowing for lateral domain identity and outgrowth. Crosstalk between auxin and cytokinin plays an important role in the development of other meristematic tissues, but hormone interaction studies to date have focused on more accessible later-stage gynoecia and the spatiotemporal interactions pivotal for patterning of early Gynoecium primordia remain unknown. Focusing on the earliest stages, we propose a cytokinin-auxin feedback model during early Gynoecium patterning and hormone homeostasis. Our results suggest that cytokinin positively regulates auxin signaling in the incipient gynoecial primordium and strengthen the concept that cytokinin regulates auxin homeostasis during Gynoecium development. Specifically, medial cytokinin promotes auxin biosynthesis components [YUCCA1/4 (YUC1/4)] in, and PINFORMED7 (PIN7)-mediated auxin efflux from, the medial domain. The resulting laterally focused auxin signaling triggers ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE PHOSPHOTRANSFER PROTEIN6 (AHP6), which then represses cytokinin signaling in a PAT-dependent feedback. Cytokinin also down-regulates PIN3, promoting auxin accumulation in the apex. The yuc1, yuc4, and ahp6 mutants are hypersensitive to exogenous cytokinin and 1-napthylphthalamic acid (NPA), highlighting their role in mediolateral Gynoecium patterning. In summary, these mechanisms self-regulate cytokinin and auxin signaling domains, ensuring correct domain specification and Gynoecium development.
-
Auxin and the Arabidopsis thaliana Gynoecium
Journal of experimental botany, 2013Co-Authors: Emma Larsson, Robert G. Franks, Eva SundbergAbstract:Recent research is beginning to reveal how intricate networks of hormones and transcription factors coordinate the complex patterning of the Gynoecium, the female reproductive structure of flowering plants. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding of how auxin biosynthesis, transport, and responses together generate specific gynoecial domains. This review also highlights areas where future research endeavours are likely to provide additional insight into the homeostatic molecular mechanisms by which auxin regulates Gynoecium development.
-
The role of auxin in style development and apical-basal patterning of the Arabidopsis thaliana Gynoecium.
Plant signaling & behavior, 2009Co-Authors: Veronika Ståldal, Eva SundbergAbstract:In angiosperms, the Gynoecium constitutes the female reproductive organ that after fertilization develops into a fruit and in Arabidopsis thaliana the Gynoecium is formed by the congenital fusion of two carpels. In the last few years many genes involved in female organ development have been identified and there have been several reports on the involvement of the plant hormone auxin in Gynoecium patterning. An auxin gradient has been suggested to establish the apical-basal patterning of the Gynoecium and recently it has been shown that elevated apical auxin levels can compensate for the loss of several style-promoting factors but that auxin is dependent on their action in apical-basal patterning. Here we discuss the role of auxin and different upstream, downstream or parallel factors in the apical-basal patterning of the Gynoecium. We focus specifically on the development of style and stigma and discuss the most recent findings.
-
Auxin can act independently of CRC, LUG, SEU, SPT and STY1 in style development but not apical‐basal patterning of the Arabidopsis Gynoecium
The New phytologist, 2008Co-Authors: Veronika Ståldal, Joel J. Sohlberg, D. Magnus Eklund, Karin Ljung, Eva SundbergAbstract:Summary • Patterning of the Arabidopsis thaliana Gynoecium is dependent on the localization and concentration of the plant hormone auxin and it has been previously reported that STYLISH1 (STY1) activates transcription of the auxin biosynthesis gene YUCCA4 (YUC4) and affects Gynoecium development. Here, the relationship between auxin, STY1 and other regulators of Gynoecium development was examined. • Exogenous auxin in droplets of lanolin paste were applied to young gynoecia; auxin biosynthesis rate was measured and STY1 overexpression or chemically mediated polar auxin transport (PAT) inhibition were induced in various mutants. • The style phenotype of sty1-1sty2-1 mutants was restored by exogenous application of auxin, and STY1 over-activation resulted in an elevated auxin biosynthesis rate. Both over-activation of STY1 and inhibition of PAT restored the stylar defects of several unrelated mutants, but with regard to Gynoecium apical-basal patterning the mutants responded differently to inhibition of PAT. • These results suggest that reduced auxin concentrations cause the sty1-1 sty2-1 phenotype, that STY1 induces auxin biosynthesis, that elevated apical auxin concentrations can compensate for the loss of several style-promoting factors, and that auxin may act downstream of, or in parallel with these during style development but is dependent on their action in apical-basal patterning.
-
STY1 regulates auxin homeostasis and affects apical-basal patterning of the Arabidopsis Gynoecium.
The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology, 2006Co-Authors: Joel J. Sohlberg, Sandra Kuusk, Mattias Myrenås, Ulf Lagercrantz, Mariusz Kowalczyk, Göran Sandberg, Eva SundbergAbstract:STY1 regulates auxin homeostasis and affects apical-basal patterning of the Arabidopsis Gynoecium.
Nayelli Marsch-martínez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Transcriptome analysis of Gynoecium morphogenesis uncovers the chronology of gene regulatory network activity
Plant physiology, 2020Co-Authors: Kimmo I Kivivirta, Nayelli Marsch-martínez, Stefan De Folter, Denise Brigitte Herbert, Clemens Roessner, Annette BeckerAbstract:The Gynoecium is the most complex organ formed by the flowering plants. It encloses the ovules, provides a surface for pollen contact and self-incompatibility reactions, allows pollen tube growth, and, post fertilization, develops into the fruit. Consequently, the regulation of Gynoecium morphogenesis is complex and appropriate timing of this process in part determines reproductive success. However, little is known about the global control of Gynoecium development, even though many regulatory genes have been characterized. Here, we characterized dynamic gene expression changes using laser-microdissected Gynoecium tissue from four developmental stages in Arabidopsis. We provide a high-resolution map of global expression dynamics during Gynoecium morphogenesis and link these to the Gynoecium interactome. We reveal groups of genes acting together early and others acting late in morphogenesis. Clustering of co-expressed genes enables comparisons between the leaf, shoot apex, and Gynoecium transcriptomes, allowing the dissection of common and distinct regulators. Furthermore, our results lead to the discovery of genes with putative transcription factor activity (B3LF1, -2, DOFLF1), which, when mutated, lead to impaired Gynoecium expansion, illustrating that global transcriptome analyses reveal yet unknown developmental regulators. Our data show that genes encoding highly interacting proteins, such as SEPALLATA3, AGAMOUS, and TOPLESS, are expressed evenly during development but switch interactors over time, whereas stage-specific proteins tend to have fewer interactors. Our analysis connects specific transcriptional regulator activities, protein interactions, and underlying metabolic processes, contributing toward a dynamic network model for Gynoecium development.
-
Redundant and Non-redundant Functions of the AHK Cytokinin Receptors During Gynoecium Development.
Frontiers in plant science, 2020Co-Authors: Vincent E Cerbantez-bueno, J. Irepan Reyes-olalde, Victor M. Zúñiga-mayo, Nayelli Marsch-martínez, Humberto Herrera-ubaldo, Paulina Lozano-sotomayor, Stefan De FolterAbstract:The phytohormone cytokinin is crucial for plant growth and development. The site of action of cytokinin in the plant is dependent on the expression of the cytokinin receptors. In Arabidopsis, there are three cytokinin receptors that present some overlap in expression pattern. Functional studies demonstrated that the receptors play highly redundant roles but also have specialized functions. Here, we focus on Gynoecium development, which is the female reproductive part of the plant. Cytokinin signaling has been demonstrated to be important for reproductive development, positively affecting seed yield and fruit production. Most of these developmental processes are regulated by cytokinin during early Gynoecium development. While some information is available, there is a gap in knowledge on cytokinin function and especially on the cytokinin receptors during early Gynoecium development. Therefore, we studied the expression patterns and the role of the cytokinin receptors during Gynoecium development. We found that the three receptors are expressed in the Gynoecium and that they have redundant and specialized functions.
-
High-resolution temporal transcript profiling during Arabidopsis thaliana Gynoecium morphogenesis uncovers the chronology of gene regulatory network activity and reveals novel developmental regulators
2020Co-Authors: Kimmo I Kivivirta, Nayelli Marsch-martínez, Stefan De Folter, Denise Brigitte Herbert, Clemens Roessner, Annette BeckerAbstract:Abstract The Gynoecium is the most complex organ formed by the flowering plants. It encloses the ovules, provides a surface for pollen contact and self-incompatibility reactions, allows pollen tube growth and, post fertilization, and develops into the fruit. Consequently, the regulation of Gynoecium morphogenesis is complex and appropriate timing of this process in part determines reproductive success. However, little is known about the global control of Gynoecium development, even though many regulatory genes have been characterized. Here, we characterized dynamic gene expression changes using laser-microdissected Gynoecium tissue from four developmental stages in Arabidopsis. We provide a high-resolution map of global expression dynamics during Gynoecium morphogenesis and link these to the Gynoecium interactome. We reveal groups of genes acting together early and others acting late in morphogenesis. Clustering of co-expressed genes enables comparisons between the leaf, shoot apex, and Gynoecium transcriptomes allowing the dissection of common and distinct regulators. Furthermore, our results lead to the discovery of the LESSER FERTILITY1-4 (LEF1-4) genes, which, when mutated, lead to impaired Gynoecium expansion, illustrating that global transcriptome analyses reveal yet unknown developmental regulators. Our data show that highly interacting proteins, such as SEPALLATA3, AGAMOUS, and TOPLESS are expressed more evenly during development, but switch interactors in time, whereas stage-specific proteins have only few interactors. Our analysis connects specific transcriptional regulator activities, protein interactions, and underlying metabolic processes towards the development of a dynamic network model for Gynoecium development.
-
An interaction map of transcription factors controlling Gynoecium development in Arabidopsis
2018Co-Authors: Humberto Herrera-ubaldo, Victor M. Zúñiga-mayo, Nayelli Marsch-martínez, Sergio E. Campos, Valentín Luna-garcía, Gerardo Armas-caballero, Alexander Deluna, Stefan De FolterAbstract:Flowers are composed of different organs, whose identity is defined at the molecular by the combinatorial activity of transcription factors (TFs). MADS-box TFs interact forming complexes that have been schematized in the quartet model. The Gynoecium is the female reproductive part in the flower, crucial for plant reproduction, and fruit and seed production. Once carpel identity is established, a Gynoecium containing many tissues arises. Several TFs have been identified as regulators of Gynoecium development, and some of these TFs form complexes. However, broad knowledge about the interactions among these TFs is still scarce. In this work, we used a systems biology approach to understand the formation of a complex reproductive unit as the Gynoecium by mapping binary interactions between well-characterized TFs. We analyzed over 3500 combinations and detected more than 200 protein-protein interactions (PPIs), resulting in a process specific interaction map. Topological analyses suggest hidden functions and novel roles for many TFs. Furthermore, a relationship between TFs involved in auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways and other TFs was observed. We analyzed the network by combining PPI data, expression and genetic data, allowing us to dissect it into several dynamic spatio-temporal sub-networks related to Gynoecium development subprocesses.
-
The AP2/ERF Transcription Factor DRNL Modulates Gynoecium Development and Affects Its Response to Cytokinin.
Frontiers in plant science, 2017Co-Authors: Yolanda Durán-medina, J. Irepan Reyes-olalde, Stefan De Folter, Joanna Serwatowska, Nayelli Marsch-martínezAbstract:The Gynoecium is the female reproductive system in flowering plants. It is a complex structure formed by different tissues, some that are essential for reproduction and others that facilitate the fertilization process and nurture and protect the developing seeds. The coordinated development of these different tissues during the formation of the Gynoecium is important for reproductive success. Both hormones and genetic regulators guide the development of the different tissues. Auxin and cytokinin in particular have been found to play important roles in this process. On the other hand, the AP2/ERF2 transcription factor BOL/DRNL/ESR2/SOB is expressed at very early stages of aerial organ formation and has been proposed to be a marker for organ founder cells. In this work, we found that this gene is also expressed at later stages during Gynoecium development, particularly at the lateral regions (the region related to the valves of the ovary). The loss of DRNL function affects Gynoecium development. Some of the mutant phenotypes present similarities to those observed in plants treated with exogenous cytokinins, and AHP6 has been previously proposed to be a target of DRNL. Therefore, we explored the response of drnl-2 developing gynoecia to cytokinins, and found that the loss of DRNL function affects the response of the Gynoecium to exogenously applied cytokinins in a developmental-stage-dependent manner. In summary, this gene participates during Gynoecium development, possibly through the dynamic modulation of cytokinin homeostasis and response.
Cristina Ferrándiz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
The effect of NGATHA altered activity on auxin signaling pathways within the Arabidopsis Gynoecium
Frontiers in plant science, 2014Co-Authors: Irene Martínez-fernández, Vicente Balanzà, Patricia Ballester, L. Colombo, Sofía Sanchís, Naciele Marini, Marisa Navarrete-gómez, Antonio Costa De Oliveira, Cristina FerrándizAbstract:The four NGATHA genes (NGA) form a small subfamily within the large family of B3-domain transcription factors of Arabidopsis thaliana. NGA genes act redundantly to direct the development of the apical tissues of the Gynoecium, the style, and the stigma. Previous studies indicate that NGA genes could exert this function at least partially by directing the synthesis of auxin at the distal end of the developing Gynoecium through the upregulation of two different YUCCA genes, which encode flavin monooxygenases involved in auxin biosynthesis. We have compared three developing pistil transcriptome data sets from wildtype, nga quadruple mutants, and a 35S::NGA3 line. The differentially expressed genes showed a significant enrichment for auxin-related genes, supporting the idea of NGA genes as major regulators of auxin accumulation and distribution within the developing Gynoecium. We have introduced reporter lines for several of these differentially expressed genes involved in synthesis, transport and response to auxin in NGA gain- and loss-of-function backgrounds. We present here a detailed map of the response of these reporters to NGA misregulation that could help to clarify the role of NGA in auxin-mediated Gynoecium morphogenesis. Our data point to a very reduced auxin synthesis in the developing apical Gynoecium of nga mutants, likely responsible for the lack of DR5rev::GFP reporter activity observed in these mutants. In addition, NGA altered activity affects the expression of protein kinases that regulate the cellular localization of auxin efflux regulators, and thus likely impact auxin transport. Finally, protein accumulation in pistils of several ARFs was differentially affected by nga mutations or NGA overexpression, suggesting that these accumulation patterns depend not only on auxin distribution but could be also regulated by transcriptional networks involving NGA factors.
-
Genetic and phenotypic analyses of carpel development in Arabidopsis.
Methods of Molecular Biology, 2013Co-Authors: Vicente Balanzà, Patricia Ballester, Irene Martínez-fernández, Chloe Fourquin, Monica Colombo, Cristina FerrándizAbstract:Carpels are the female reproductive organs of the flower, organized in a Gynoecium, which is arguably the most complex organ of a plant. The Gynoecium provides protection for the ovules, helps to discriminate between male gametophytes, and facilitates successful pollination. After fertilization, it develops into a fruit, a specialized organ for seed protection and dispersal. To carry out all these functions, coordinated patterning and tissue specification within the developing Gynoecium have to be achieved. In this chapter, we describe different methods to characterize defects in carpel patterning and morphogenesis associated with developmental mutations as well as a list of reporter lines that can be used to facilitate genetic analyses.
-
INDEHISCENT and SPATULA interact to specify carpel and valve margin tissue and thus promote seed dispersal in Arabidopsis
The Plant cell, 2011Co-Authors: Thomas Girin, Vicente Balanzà, Teodora Paicu, Pauline Stephenson, Sara Fuentes, Evelyn Körner, Martin O'brien, Karim Sorefan, Thomas A Wood, Cristina FerrándizAbstract:Structural organization of organs in multicellular organisms occurs through intricate patterning mechanisms that often involve complex interactions between transcription factors in regulatory networks. For example, INDEHISCENT (IND), a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, specifies formation of the narrow stripes of valve margin tissue, where Arabidopsis thaliana fruits open on maturity. Another bHLH transcription factor, SPATULA (SPT), is required for reproductive tissue development from carpel margins in the Arabidopsis Gynoecium before fertilization. Previous studies have therefore assigned the function of SPT to early Gynoecium stages and IND to later fruit stages of reproductive development. Here we report that these two transcription factors interact genetically and via protein-protein contact to mediate both Gynoecium development and fruit opening. We show that IND directly and positively regulates the expression of SPT, and that spt mutants have partial defects in valve margin formation. Careful analysis of ind mutant gynoecia revealed slight defects in apical tissue formation, and combining mutations in IND and SPT dramatically enhanced both single-mutant phenotypes. Our data show that SPT and IND at least partially mediate their joint functions in Gynoecium and fruit development by controlling auxin distribution and suggest that this occurs through cooperative binding to regulatory sequences in downstream target genes.
-
The NGATHA genes direct style development in the Arabidopsis Gynoecium.
The Plant cell, 2009Co-Authors: Marina Trigueros, Martin F Yanofsky, Soraya Pelaz, Marisa Navarrete-gómez, Shusei Sato, Sioux K. Christensen, Detlef Weigel, Cristina FerrándizAbstract:The Gynoecium is the most complex floral organ, designed to protect the ovules and ensure their fertilization. Correct patterning and tissue specification in the developing Gynoecium involves the concerted action of a host of genetic factors. In addition, apical-basal patterning into different domains, stigma and style, ovary and gynophore, appears to depend on the establishment and maintenance of asymmetric auxin distribution, with an auxin maximum at the apex. Here, we show that a small subfamily of the B3 transcription factor superfamily, the NGATHA (NGA) genes, act redundantly to specify style development in a dosage-dependent manner. Characterization of the NGA gene family is based on an analysis of the activation-tagged mutant named tower-of-pisa1 (top1), which was found to overexpress NGA3. Quadruple nga mutants completely lack style and stigma development. This mutant phenotype is likely caused by a failure to activate two auxin biosynthetic enzymes, YUCCA2 and YUCCA4, in the apical Gynoecium domain. The NGA mutant phenotypes are similar to those caused by multiple combinations of mutations in STYLISH1 (STY1) and additional members of its family. NGA3/TOP1 and STY1 share almost identical patterns of expression, but they do not appear to regulate each other at the transcriptional level. Strong synergistic phenotypes are observed when nga3/top1 and sty1 mutants are combined. Furthermore, constitutive expression of both NGA3/TOP1 and STY1 induces the conversion of the ovary into style tissue. Taken together, these data suggest that the NGA and STY factors act cooperatively to promote style specification, in part by directing YUCCA-mediated auxin synthesis in the apical Gynoecium domain.
-
Control of Carpel and Fruit Development in Arabidopsis
Annual Review of Biochemistry, 1999Co-Authors: Cristina Ferrándiz, Soraya Pelaz, Martin F YanofskyAbstract:▪ Abstract The fruit is a highly specialized plant organ that occurs in diverse forms among the angiosperms. Fruits of Arabidopsis thaliana, which are typical of the >3000 species of Brassicaceae, develop from a Gynoecium that consists of two fused carpels. The mature Gynoecium of Arabidopsis is composed of an apical stigma, a short style, and a basal ovary that contains the developing ovules. After the ovules are fertilized, the fruit elongates and differentiates a number of distinct cell types, allowing for the successful maturation and the eventual dispersal of the seeds. Although the processes involved in carpel and fruit morphogenesis are not well understood, recent studies have identified a large number of mutants that display abnormal Gynoecium and fruit development. The detailed phenotypic description of these mutants together with recent cloning of many of these genes has begun to shed light on this interesting and complex developmental process. Here we review the growing collection of Arabidopsi...
L. Colombo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Gynoecium size and ovule number are interconnected traits that impact seed yield.
Journal of experimental botany, 2020Co-Authors: M. Cucinotta, Stefan De Folter, M. Di Marzo, A. Guazzotti, M.m. Kater, L. ColomboAbstract: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.
-
Gynoecium size and ovule number are interconnected traits that impact seed yield
'Oxford University Press (OUP)', 2020Co-Authors: M. Cucinotta, Stefan De Folter, M. Di Marzo, A. Guazzotti, M.m. Kater, L. ColomboAbstract:Angiosperms form the biggest group of land plants and display an astonishing diversity of floral structures. The development of the 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, their spacing on the placenta, and ovule 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 opens 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
-
The effect of NGATHA altered activity on auxin signaling pathways within the Arabidopsis Gynoecium
Frontiers in plant science, 2014Co-Authors: Irene Martínez-fernández, Vicente Balanzà, Patricia Ballester, L. Colombo, Sofía Sanchís, Naciele Marini, Marisa Navarrete-gómez, Antonio Costa De Oliveira, Cristina FerrándizAbstract:The four NGATHA genes (NGA) form a small subfamily within the large family of B3-domain transcription factors of Arabidopsis thaliana. NGA genes act redundantly to direct the development of the apical tissues of the Gynoecium, the style, and the stigma. Previous studies indicate that NGA genes could exert this function at least partially by directing the synthesis of auxin at the distal end of the developing Gynoecium through the upregulation of two different YUCCA genes, which encode flavin monooxygenases involved in auxin biosynthesis. We have compared three developing pistil transcriptome data sets from wildtype, nga quadruple mutants, and a 35S::NGA3 line. The differentially expressed genes showed a significant enrichment for auxin-related genes, supporting the idea of NGA genes as major regulators of auxin accumulation and distribution within the developing Gynoecium. We have introduced reporter lines for several of these differentially expressed genes involved in synthesis, transport and response to auxin in NGA gain- and loss-of-function backgrounds. We present here a detailed map of the response of these reporters to NGA misregulation that could help to clarify the role of NGA in auxin-mediated Gynoecium morphogenesis. Our data point to a very reduced auxin synthesis in the developing apical Gynoecium of nga mutants, likely responsible for the lack of DR5rev::GFP reporter activity observed in these mutants. In addition, NGA altered activity affects the expression of protein kinases that regulate the cellular localization of auxin efflux regulators, and thus likely impact auxin transport. Finally, protein accumulation in pistils of several ARFs was differentially affected by nga mutations or NGA overexpression, suggesting that these accumulation patterns depend not only on auxin distribution but could be also regulated by transcriptional networks involving NGA factors.