Auxin-dependent miR167-ARF6/8.1-SAURs module coordinates local growth to shape floret diversification in Asteraceae
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Updated: Nov 10, 2026

Live Confocal Imaging of Developing Arabidopsis Flowers
Published on: April 1, 2017
Jiawei Fan1,2,3,4,5, Zhuoyao Wu1,2,3,4,5, Yichi Zhang1,2,3,4,5
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding.
Abstract:
The corolla is a primary determinant of floral architecture and reproductive success. However, the processes that translate localized growth patterns into species-specific morphologies remain unclear. The complex inflorescences (capitula) of Asteraceae consist of different types of flowers. In Chrysanthemum × morifolium, anemone-type varieties represent a distinct floral form characterized by dramatically elongated corolla tubes in bisexual disc florets. Using the anemone-type chrysanthemum, characterized by dramatically elongated disc florets, we demonstrate that sustained corolla formation depends on localized auxin enrichment. Two auxin response factors, CmARF6 and CmARF8.1, have been identified as positive regulators of this process. These ARFs are post-transcriptionally regulated by miR167 in a dose-dependent manner, establishing a regulatory module that directly activates the auxin-biosynthesis gene CmYUC2 and auxin-transport gene CmPILS1. Concurrently, CmARF6 and CmARF8.1 stimulate localized tissue proliferation by activating CmSAUR64 and CmSAUR76. Comparative analyses across diverse Asteraceae species suggest that auxin-associated regulatory mechanisms may contribute to region-specific corolla growth. Our findings demonstrate that auxin regulation contributes to region-specific corolla growth in the bisexual disc florets of chrysanthemum, providing a framework for investigating related morphological variation in other Asteraceae species.
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