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SEPALLATA gene diversification: brave new whorls
Simon T Malcomber1, Elizabeth A Kellogg
1Department of Biology, University of Missouri - St. Louis, One University Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA. malcombers@msx.umsl.edu
Trends in Plant Science
|August 16, 2005
Summary
SEPALLATA (SEP) genes are crucial for floral development. This study reveals diverse SEP gene functions and evolutionary roles across various plant species, challenging previous assumptions of redundancy.
Area of Science:
- Plant developmental biology
- Evolutionary genetics
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- SEPALLATA (SEP) genes are key components in floral organ determination models.
- They are hypothesized to function as co-factors with floral homeotic genes (ABCD) in specifying floral whorls.
- While four SEP genes in Arabidopsis exhibit redundant functions, their roles in other plant species remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional diversity of SEP genes across different plant species.
- To explore the evolutionary significance of SEP gene heterogeneity.
- To understand the molecular basis of floral organ specification beyond Arabidopsis.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of 113 SEP genes.
- Comparative analysis of C-terminal motifs, mRNA expression patterns, and protein-protein interactions.
- Inference of gene function based on evolutionary and molecular data.
Main Results:
- Significant heterogeneity was observed in SEP gene C-terminal motifs, expression patterns, protein interactions, and inferred functions across diverse plant lineages.
- While some SEP genes maintain redundant functions, others exhibit novel roles in fruit maturation, floral organ specification, and plant architecture.
- These findings highlight the dynamic evolution of SEP gene functions.
Conclusions:
- SEP gene function is more diverse than previously assumed, extending beyond floral organ determination.
- Heterogeneity in SEP genes has significantly contributed to the evolution of floral diversity in plants.
- This study provides a new framework for understanding floral development and evolution through comparative genomics.
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