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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

An Efficient Method for Quantitative, Single-cell Analysis of Chromatin Modification and Nuclear Architecture in Whole-mount Ovules in Arabidopsis
09:33

An Efficient Method for Quantitative, Single-cell Analysis of Chromatin Modification and Nuclear Architecture in Whole-mount Ovules in Arabidopsis

Published on: June 19, 2014

The ABORTED MICROSPORES regulatory network is required for postmeiotic male reproductive development in Arabidopsis

Jie Xu1, Caiyun Yang, Zheng Yuan

  • 1School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.

The Plant Cell
|February 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) gene regulates anther and pollen development by controlling numerous downstream genes. Its disruption leads to male sterility, highlighting the AMS network

Area of Science:

  • Plant Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) gene, encoding a bHLH transcription factor, is crucial for Arabidopsis tapetal cell development and microspore formation.
  • The precise regulatory mechanisms of AMS in anther and pollen development remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the regulatory role of the AMS transcription factor in anther and pollen development.
  • To identify direct targets and interacting partners of AMS.

Main Methods:

  • Microarray analysis to assess gene expression changes in ams mutants.
  • In vitro DNA binding assays to determine AMS binding motif.
  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to identify direct AMS targets.
  • Yeast two-hybrid and pull-down assays for protein-protein interactions.
  • Analysis of an insertional mutant for a downstream AMS target.

Main Results:

  • Microarray analysis revealed altered expression of 549 anther-expressed genes in ams mutants, associated with tapetal function and pollen wall formation.
  • AMS binds to a CANNTG DNA motif in vitro.
  • Thirteen direct target genes involved in lipid transport, fatty acid metabolism, and other processes were identified via ChIP.
  • AMS interacts with bHLH proteins (AtbHLH089, AtbHLH091) and ATA20.
  • A mutant in an AMS target ABC transporter exhibited male sterility due to failed pollen development.

Conclusions:

  • The AMS gene acts as a key regulator in a network controlling anther and pollen development.
  • AMS directly regulates genes involved in diverse cellular processes essential for male fertility.
  • Understanding the AMS regulatory pathway provides insights into plant reproductive development.

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