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A conserved role for CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON genes during ovule development
Beatriz Gonçalves1,2, Alice Hasson1,2, Katia Belcram1,2
1INRA, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR 1318, ERL CNRS 3559, Saclay Plant Sciences, RD10, F-78026, Versailles, France.
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|June 30, 2015
Summary
CUC2 and CUC3 transcription factors are crucial for separating ovules in Arabidopsis thaliana, preventing fused seeds. This study reveals their ancient and conserved role in plant reproductive development.
Area of Science:
- Plant reproductive biology
- Developmental genetics
Background:
- Angiosperm sexual reproduction relies on gynoecium development for ovule production and protection.
- CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON (CUC) genes, including CUC1 and CUC2, are known to promote ovule initiation in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CUC transcription factors in ovule separation.
- To explore the functional redundancy and evolutionary conservation of CUC genes in reproductive development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cuc2;cuc3 double mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana.
- Investigating CUC protein interactions using yeast and in planta assays.
- Examining CUC orthologue expression patterns in diverse plant species.
Main Results:
- The cuc2;cuc3 double mutant exhibits defects in ovule separation, leading to fused seeds.
- CUC2 and CUC3 function redundantly to promote ovule separation.
- CUC transcription factors are involved in ovule development in Cardamine hirsuta.
- Conserved expression patterns of CUC orthologues suggest an ancient role in ovule development across species.
Conclusions:
- CUC2 and CUC3 play a significant role in Arabidopsis thaliana ovule separation.
- The function of CUC transcription factors in ovule separation is ancient and conserved across diverse angiosperms.
- These findings illuminate conserved mechanisms underlying the development of floral structures.
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