Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Deep Fluorescence Observation in Rice Shoots via Clearing Technology
Published on: June 27, 2022
14-3-3 proteins act as intracellular receptors for rice Hd3a florigen
Ken-ichiro Taoka1, Izuru Ohki, Hiroyuki Tsuji
1Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
Abstract:
'Florigen' was proposed 75 years ago to be synthesized in the leaf and transported to the shoot apex, where it induces flowering. Only recently have genetic and biochemical studies established that florigen is encoded by FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), a gene that is universally conserved in higher plants. Nonetheless, the exact function of florigen during floral induction remains poorly understood and receptors for florigen have not been identified. Here we show that the rice FT homologue Hd3a interacts with 14-3-3 proteins in the apical cells of shoots, yielding a complex that translocates to the nucleus and binds to the Oryza sativa (Os)FD1 transcription factor, a rice homologue of Arabidopsis thaliana FD. The resultant ternary 'florigen activation complex' (FAC) induces transcription of OsMADS15, a homologue of A. thaliana APETALA1 (AP1), which leads to flowering. We have determined the 2.4 Å crystal structure of rice FAC, which provides a mechanistic basis for florigen function in flowering. Our results indicate that 14-3-3 proteins act as intracellular receptors for florigen in shoot apical cells, and offer new approaches to manipulate flowering in various crops and trees.
More Related Videos
11:33Investigating Interactions Between Histone Modifying Enzymes and Transcription Factors in vivo by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Published on: October 14, 2022
08:53Visualizing Cellular Gibberellin Levels Using the nlsGPS1 Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Biosensor
Published on: January 12, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Cell Signaling in Plants
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
Riboswitches
The aptamer has high specificity for a particular metabolite which allows riboswitches to specifically regulate...
Internal Receptors