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MS23, a master basic helix-loop-helix factor, regulates the specification and development of the tapetum in maize
Guo-Ling Nan1, Jixian Zhai2,3, Siwaret Arikit2
1Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA gnan@stanford.edu walbot@stanford.edu.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|December 4, 2016
Summary
Male Sterile23 (Ms23), a transcription factor, is crucial for tapetal cell development in anthers. It acts early in a gene regulatory network, orchestrating male gametogenesis and anther wall formation.
Area of Science:
- Plant reproductive biology
- Molecular genetics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Successful male gametogenesis relies on precise gene regulation for anther development.
- The tapetum, a crucial anther layer, plays a vital role in nutrient supply and pollen formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize Male Sterile23 (Ms23), an anther-specific transcription factor.
- To elucidate the role of Ms23 in tapetal differentiation and male gametogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Gene cloning and characterization of Ms23.
- Analysis of ms23 knockout mutants.
- Microarray, RNA-seq, and proteomics for gene expression profiling.
- Yeast two-hybrid assays for protein interactions.
Main Results:
- Ms23 encodes a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor essential for tapetal differentiation.
- ms23 mutants exhibit abnormal anther wall development (five layers instead of four).
- Ms23 acts upstream of bHLH51 and bHLH122, initiating tapetal specification and maturation.
- MS23, MS32, bHLH122, and bHLH51 form a sequential regulatory network for tapetal development.
Conclusions:
- Ms23 is an early-acting transcription factor critical for tapetal cell specification and maturation.
- A sequential cascade of bHLH factors, including Ms23, orchestrates tapetal development.
- Understanding Ms23 function provides insights into male fertility regulation in plants.
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