Tomato SlYTH1 encoding a putative RNA m6A reader affects plant growth and fruit shape
Shuangqin Yin1, Qiujing Ao2, Tiaoshuang Qiu2
1Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Wound Infection and Drug, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China.
Summary
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader SlYTH1 is crucial for tomato development. Its absence causes growth defects and altered fruit shape, linked to reduced gibberellin levels.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Epigenetics
- Gene regulation
Background:
- N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a key mRNA modification regulating gene expression in eukaryotes.
- YTH domain-containing proteins act as m6A readers, mediating m6A's biological functions.
- Tomato possesses nine YTH genes, with SlYTH1 showing the highest expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To functionally characterize the role of SlYTH1, a prominent m6A reader, in tomato development.
- To investigate the impact of SlYTH1 on plant growth, fruit development, and hormone pathways.
Main Methods:
- CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to generate SlYTH1 knockout mutants in tomato.
- Phenotypic analysis of mutants was conducted, covering germination, root and shoot growth, and fruit morphology.
- Gibberellin (GA3) content and the expression of related biosynthesis genes were quantified.
- The effects of exogenous GA3 application on mutant phenotypes were assessed.
Main Results:
- SlYTH1 mutants displayed pleiotropic defects: reduced seed germination, shorter roots, retarded vegetative growth, and abnormal fruit development (elongated, flattened, fewer locules).
- SlYTH1 knockout led to decreased GA3 levels and downregulated gibberellin biosynthesis genes.
- Exogenous GA3 partially rescued the mutant phenotypes.
- SlYTH1 knockout mitigated GA3-induced inhibition of root elongation at low concentrations.
Conclusions:
- SlYTH1 is essential for multiple physiological processes in tomato, including seed germination, plant growth, and fruit development.
- SlYTH1 plays a significant role in regulating gibberellin biosynthesis and signaling pathways.
- The m6A reader SlYTH1 is a key regulator of tomato development through its interaction with the gibberellin pathway.
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