Comparative insights into molecular pathways influencing germline development in early-divergent angiosperms
Jorge Lora1, Matthew R Tucker2, Neil J Shirley2
1Department of Subtropical Fruits, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora" (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, 29750, Spain.
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|January 18, 2026
Summary
Female germline development in early angiosperms like Annona cherimola is explored. Key gene expression differs from Arabidopsis, revealing evolutionary insights into reproductive development.
Area of Science:
- Plant developmental biology
- Evolutionary genetics
- Angiosperm reproductive biology
Background:
- Female germline development mechanisms are poorly understood in basal angiosperms.
- Research has advanced in model eudicots (Arabidopsis) and monocots (rice, maize).
- Investigating early-divergent species like Annona cherimola is crucial for evolutionary insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic pathway of female germline development in Annona cherimola.
- To identify key orthologs and analyze their spatio-temporal expression.
- To compare gene expression patterns with Arabidopsis thaliana.
Main Methods:
- Region-specific transcriptome analysis in Annona cherimola.
- Identification of orthologs of known germline regulators.
- Spatio-temporal expression pattern analysis and functional assays.
- Comparative analysis with Arabidopsis thaliana expression data.
Main Results:
- Key orthologs of germline regulators were identified in Annona cherimola.
- Most genes showed different expression patterns compared to Arabidopsis, but remained near the germline.
- Annona cherimola WUS (AcWUS) maintained a crucial role in ovule and plant development despite differential expression.
Conclusions:
- Highlights conserved and divergent pathways in female germline development across angiosperms.
- Suggests phylogenetic distance and nucellar morphology influence gene expression evolution.
- Provides insights into the evolution of reproductive development in early-divergent magnoliids.
Related Concept Videos
02:39The Angiosperm Life Cycle
72.1K
Plants have a life cycle split between two multicellular stages: a haploid stage—with cells containing one set of chromosomes—and a diploid stage—with cells containing two sets of chromosomes. The haploid stage is the gamete-producing gametophyte, and the diploid stage is the spore-producing sporophyte.
72.1K
02:19Morphogenesis
30.2K
Plant morphogenesis—the development of a plant’s form and structure—involves several overlapping developmental processes, including growth and cell differentiation. Precursor cells differentiate into specific cell types, which are organized into the tissues and organ systems that make up the functional plant.
30.2K
02:33Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte
30.9K
Seed structures are composed of a protective seed coat surrounding a plant embryo, and a food store for the developing embryo. The embryo contains the precursor tissues for leaves, stem, and roots. The endosperm and cotyledons—seed leaves—act as the food reserves for the growing embryo.
30.9K
01:17Gene Regulation During Sporulation
447
Sporulation is a complex developmental process that allows certain Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium species, to survive extreme environmental conditions. This process is tightly regulated by a series of signaling cascades and transcriptional controls, ensuring the formation of a highly resistant endospore.Sporulation is triggered by unfavorable conditions, such as nutrient depletion, and is governed by a phosphorelay system. One of the sensor kinases, such as...
447
01:10Zygotic Development And Stem Cell Formation
6.5K
The development of all multicellular organisms starts with the fusion of haploid cells called sperm and egg to form a diploid zygote. A zygote is a totipotent cell that can develop into a complete organism. The zygote undergoes cell division or cleavage to form an 8-cell mass. Until this stage, the cells are spherical, loosely attached, and remain totipotent. Totipotent cells are capable of developing both the embryonic and the extraembryonic tissues. However, as they continue to divide, they...
6.5K
02:46Genetic Screens
5.6K
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
5.6K