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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Identification of the Genes Involved in Stomatal Development via Epidermal Phenotype Scoring
Published on: January 20, 2023
Mobile MUTE specifies subsidiary cells to build physiologically improved grass stomata
Michael T Raissig1, Juliana L Matos2, M Ximena Anleu Gil3
1Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. raissig@stanford.edu dbergmann@stanford.edu.
Researchers identified a key transcription factor, BdMUTE, essential for forming subsidiary cells (SCs) in Brachypodium. This discovery reveals how SCs enhance stomatal function and offers potential for improving crop performance.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plants regulate gas exchange and water loss via stomatal pores, which are surrounded by guard cells (GCs).
- Grasses possess subsidiary cells (SCs) adjacent to GCs, a feature linked to enhanced stomatal physiology and function.
- Understanding the genetic basis of SC development is crucial for improving plant water use efficiency and carbon assimilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the transcription factor responsible for subsidiary cell (SC) formation in *Brachypodium distachyon*.
- To investigate the role of this transcription factor in SC development and its implications for stomatal regulation.
- To explore the potential of manipulating SCs for enhancing plant performance in crops.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis in *Brachypodium distachyon* to identify key regulators of SC development.
- Comparative genomics to identify orthologs of known stomatal regulators.
- Experimental manipulation of SC formation in plants to assess physiological consequences.
- Physiological measurements of stomatal responsiveness and aperture range.
Main Results:
- A transcription factor, *BdMUTE*, was identified as necessary and sufficient for SC formation in *Brachypodium*.
- *BdMUTE* is an ortholog of *AtMUTE*, previously known for regulating guard cell precursor fate in *Arabidopsis*, suggesting a novel role in SC specification.
- Experimental generation of SC-less plants confirmed that SCs enhance stomatal responsiveness and the range of pore apertures.
- The cell-to-cell mobility of BdMUTE appears crucial for its function in specifying lateral SCs.
Conclusions:
- The transcription factor *BdMUTE* plays a critical role in the development of subsidiary cells in grasses.
- The novel function of *BdMUTE* in SC specification highlights evolutionary divergence in stomatal development.
- Targeting SC formation and function presents a promising strategy for enhancing crop water use efficiency and productivity.
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