EMB-7L is required for embryogenesis and plant development in maize involved in RNA splicing of multiple chloroplast genes. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yuan, Ningning; Wang, Jiechen; Zhou, Yong; An, Dong; Xiao, Qiao; Wang, Wenqin; Wu, Yongrui
• Is Part Of: Plant science. Volume 287(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: emb Embryo-specific/defective -- PPR Pentatricopeptide repeat ptoteins -- DAP Days after pollination -- TEM Transmission Electron Microscopy -- PEP Plastid encoded RNA polymerase -- NEP Nucleus encoded RNA polymerase -- DAG Days after germination -- GO Gene ontology -- KEGG Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes; Maize -- Embryo defective mutants -- Chloroplast -- Pentatricopeptide repeat proteins -- Pre-mRNA intron splicing -- Full transcriptome; Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; 580
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.110203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-9452

Abstract

Highlights: Emb-7L encodes the chloroplast-targeted P-type PPR protein. The emb-7L exhibits embryo lethality and albinism. Full transcriptome analysis indicates the expression of protein-encoding genes is dramatically variable in albino leaves. The intron splicing efficiency of chloroplast protein-encoding genes is generally reduced. Abstract: Embryo and endosperm originate from the double fertilization, but they have different developmental fates and biological functions. We identified a previously undescribed maize seed mutant, wherein the embryo appears to be more severely affected than the endosperm ( embryo-specific, emb ). In the W22 background, the emb embryo arrests at the transition stage whereas its endosperm appears nearly normal in size. At maturity, the embryo in W22- emb is apparently small or even invisible. In contrast, the emb endosperm develops into a relative normal size. We cloned the mutant gene on the Chromosome 7L and designated it emb - 7L . This gene is generally expressed, but it has a relatively higher expression level in leaves. Emb - 7L encodes a chloroplast-localized P-type pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein, consistent with the severe chloroplast deficiency in emb - 7L albino seedling leaves. Full transcriptome analysis of the leaves of WT and emb - 7L seedlings reveals that transcription of chloroplast protein-encoding genes are dramatically variable with pre-mRNA intron splicing apparently affected in a tissue-dependent pattern and the chloroplast structure and activity were dramatically affected including chloroplast membrane and photosynthesis machinery component and synthesis of metabolic products (e.g., fatty acids, amino acids, starch).