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Fertilization-induced synergid cell death by RALF12-triggered ROS production and ethylene signaling
Junyi Chen1, Huan Wang2, Jinlin Wang2
1Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. junyi.chen@ccnu.edu.cn.
Nature Communications
|March 29, 2025
Summary
Fertilization triggers programmed cell death in plant synergid cells, preventing polyspermy. This study reveals molecular triggers like ROS and ethylene that control this essential developmental process.
Area of Science:
- Plant reproductive biology
- Molecular mechanisms of cell death
- Flowering plant development
Background:
- Synergid cell elimination post-fertilization is crucial for preventing polyspermy in flowering plants.
- The molecular pathways governing synergid cell death remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying fertilization-induced synergid cell death in maize.
- To identify key regulators and pathways involved in this programmed cell death process.
Main Methods:
- Manual isolation and analysis of maize synergid cells during degeneration.
- Gene expression profiling to identify down-regulated and up-regulated gene networks.
- Investigating the roles of specific peptides (RALF12) and hormones (ethylene) in synergid cell death.
Main Results:
- Maize synergid cells function as secretory glands expressing MYB98-regulated genes.
- Post-fertilization, these genes are down-regulated, while genes for reactive oxygen species (ROS), ethylene, senescence, and oxidative stress are induced.
- Fertilization-induced RALF12 peptide triggers mitochondrial ROS and apoptosis; ethylene promotes synergid degeneration.
Conclusions:
- This study reveals novel insights into the developmental programmed cell death (dPCD) of plant synergid cells.
- Identifies RALF12 and ethylene as key signaling molecules in synergid elimination.
- Provides a valuable resource for discovering new regulators of plant cell death.
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