Strigolactones Might Regulate Ovule Development after Fertilization in Xanthoceras sorbifolium.
Qingyuan Zhou1, Linyi Zhou2, Qing Cai1
1Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiangshan, Beijing 100093, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 28, 2024
Summary
Strigolactones regulate seed development in Xanthoceras sorbifolium. Their interaction with sugars influences ovule abortion, offering insights into improving seed yield.
Area of Science:
- Plant hormone signaling
- Seed development and reproduction
- Plant physiology
Background:
- Strigolactones (SLs) are known plant hormones regulating growth and development.
- Their role in early seed development and ovule abortion remains largely unexplored.
- Xanthoceras sorbifolium provides a model to investigate these processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of strigolactones in fertilized ovules of Xanthoceras sorbifolium.
- To elucidate the relationship between strigolactones, sugar metabolism, and ovule abortion.
- To identify potential targets for improving seed yield.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of strigolactones in developing ovules under varying phosphate conditions.
- Application of strigolactone analog (GR24) and inhibitor (TIS108).
- Genome-wide identification and RNA-seq analysis of SL-related genes.
- Transcriptome analysis of developing and aborting ovules.
- Metabolite analysis of sugars (hexoses, sucrose).
- Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of *XsD14*.
Main Results:
- Minute amounts of 5-deoxystrigol and strigol were detected in fertilized ovules and pericarp, decreasing with phosphate addition.
- SL analog and inhibitor treatments affected seed development and fruit set.
- 37 SL-related genes showed differential expression between normal and aborting ovules.
- Normally developing ovules showed high hexose accumulation and active invertase gene expression.
- Aborting ovules had low hexose/sucrose ratios and high strigolactone content.
- *XsD14* VIGS increased hexose content, promoted endosperm development, and improved fruit set.
Conclusions:
- Strigolactones are present in early developing seeds and influence ovule development.
- Crosstalk between sugar and strigolactone signaling regulates ovule abortion.
- Understanding this crosstalk can guide strategies to enhance seed yield in Xanthoceras.
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