PpSCARECROW1 (PpSCR1) regulates leaf blade and mid-vein development in Physcomitrium patens
Boominathan Mohanasundaram1,2, Shirsa Palit1,3, Amey J Bhide1
1Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune), Biology Division, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India.
Plant Molecular Biology
|February 7, 2024
Summary
The SCARECROW (SCR) gene, PpSCR1, is crucial for moss leaf development. Its absence causes narrower leaves, highlighting its ancient role in plant cell division and proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Plant developmental biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Asymmetric cell divisions drive plant organ development and cellular diversity.
- SCARECROW (SCR) transcription factors regulate cell division and patterning, primarily studied in flowering plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SCR homologs in leaf development in the moss Physcomitrium patens.
- To understand the evolutionary conservation of SCR gene function in land plants.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis to identify SCR homologs in Physcomitrium patens.
- Gene expression analysis (promoter activity, RNA-Seq) of PpSCR1.
- Generation and phenotypic analysis of ppscr1 knockout and overexpression lines.
- Histological studies of leaf development.
Main Results:
- Identified three SCR homologs in Physcomitrium patens, with PpSCR1 highly expressed in gametophores.
- ppscr1 knockout mutants exhibited significantly narrower leaves and thicker mid-veins.
- Histology revealed defects in cell division or suppression of periclinal divisions in mutant leaves.
- RNA-Seq showed differential expression of cell division and differentiation genes in mutants.
- PpSCR1 overexpression resulted in wider leaf lamina.
Conclusions:
- PpSCR1 plays a vital role in moss leaf blade and mid-vein development.
- The function of SCR in regulating cell division and proliferation is ancient and conserved between mosses and flowering plants.
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