SPL8 and miR156‐targeted SPL genes redundantly regulate Arabidopsis gynoecium differential patterning. (22nd May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xing, Shuping; Salinas, María; Garcia‐Molina, Antoni; Höhmann, Susanne; Berndtgen, Rita; Huijser, Peter
• Is Part Of: Plant journal. Volume 75:Number 4(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 566
• Page End: 577
• Publication Date: 2013-05-22
• Subjects: Plant molecular biology -- Periodicals; Plant cells and tissues -- Periodicals; Botany -- Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-7412

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="tpj12221-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <p> <italic>SPL8</italic> and miR156‐targeted <italic>SPL</italic> genes are known to play an essential role in Arabidopsis anther development. Here we show that these <italic>SPL</italic> genes are also expressed within the developing gynoecium, where they redundantly control development of the female reproductive tract. Whereas the gynoecium morphology in the <italic>spl8</italic> single mutant is largely normal, additional down‐regulation of miR156‐targeted <italic>SPL</italic> genes results in a shortened style and an apically swollen ovary narrowing onto an elongated gynophore. In particular, the septum does not form properly and lacks a transmitting tract. Loss of <italic>SPL8</italic> function enhances the mutant phenotypes of <italic>ett</italic>, <italic> crc</italic> and <italic>spt</italic>, indicating a functional overlap between <italic>SPL8</italic> and these genes in regulating gynoecium development. Furthermore, gynoecium development of <italic>35S:MIR156b spl8–1</italic> double mutants shows enhanced sensitivity to a polar auxin transport inhibitor, and the expression pattern of the auxin biosynthesis gene <italic>YUCCA4</italic> is altered compared to wild‐type. Our observations imply that <italic>SPL8</italic> and miR156‐targeted <italic>SPL</italic> genes control gynoecium patterning through interference with auxin homeostasis and signalling.</p> </abstract>