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Floral innovation through modifications in stem cell peptide signaling
Daniel S Jones1,2, Reid Selby2, Pedro Jiménez-Sandoval3
1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, U.S.A.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|July 9, 2025
Summary
Evolution of the Asteraceae capitulum involved reduced CLAVATA3 (CLV3) peptide signaling due to novel CLV3 mutations. This genetic change impacted stem cell regulation and inflorescence development, offering insights into plant evolution and crop engineering.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary developmental biology
- Plant genetics
- Molecular evolution
Background:
- Inflorescence architecture varies greatly in flowering plants, with the Asteraceae family exhibiting unique capitula.
- Capitulum evolution is ancient and its underlying genetic mechanisms remain largely unknown.
- Capitulum development involves extensive stem cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic mechanisms driving the evolution of the Asteraceae capitulum.
- To understand the role of CLAVATA3 (CLV3) signaling in capitulum development and evolution.
- To explore potential applications for crop genetic engineering.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of CLV3 and its receptors across Asterales.
- Functional analysis using genetically tractable Asteraceae models.
- Investigation of CLV3 peptide sequence variations and their impact on receptor binding.
Main Results:
- Capitulum evolution is associated with decreased CLV3 peptide signaling.
- Specific amino acid changes in the CLV3 peptide reduce its receptor binding and downstream effects.
- Reverting CLV3 to a more active form disrupts Asteraceae stem cell regulation and capitulum formation.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary innovation in Asteraceae capitula is linked to modifications in CLV3 signaling.
- These findings provide insights into the genetic basis of novel plant forms.
- The study suggests new avenues for genetic engineering in crop improvement.
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