Gametophyte-specific DEAD-box RNA helicase 29 is required for functional maturation of male and female gametophytes in Arabidopsis. (13th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Dan; Wang, Yameng; Zhang, Wen; Li, Na; Dai, Bo; Xie, Fei; Sun, Yang; Sun, Mengxiang; Peng, Xiongbo
• Editors: Zhang, Dabing
• Is Part Of: Journal of experimental botany. Volume 71:Number 14(2020)
• Page Start: 4083
• Page End: 4092
• Publication Date: 2020-04-13
• Subjects: Aborted ovule -- cell cycle -- cell specified -- female gametophyte -- gametophyte maturation -- male gametophyte -- RNA helicase; Botany -- Periodicals; Botany, Experimental -- Periodicals; Plant physiology -- Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa190
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0957

Abstract

Abstract: The maturation of male and female gametophytes together with its impact on plant sexual reproduction has not received much attention, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the process are largely unknown. Here, we show that Arabidopsis DEAD-box RNA helicase 29 (RH29) is critical for the functional maturation of both male and female gametophytes. Homozygous rh29 mutants could not be obtained, and heterozygous mutant plants were semi-sterile. Progression of the cell cycle in rh29 female gametophytes was delayed. Delayed pollination experiments showed that rh29 female gametophytes underwent cell-fate specification but were unable to develop into functional gametophytes. Functional specification but not morphogenesis was also disrupted in rh29 male gametophytes, causing defective pollen tube growth in the pistil. RH29 was highly and specifically expressed in gametophytic cells. RH29 shares high amino acid sequence identity with yeast Dbp10p, which partially rescues the aborted-ovules phenotype of rh29/RH29 plants. RH29 is essential for the synthesis of REGULATORY PARTICLE TRIPLE A ATPase 5a (RPT5a), a subunit of the regulatory particle of the 26S proteasome. Our results suggest that gametophyte functional maturation is a necessary process for successful fertilization and that RH29 is essential for the functional maturation of both male and female gametophytes. Abstract : Arabidopsis DEAD-box RNA helicase 29 controls a functional maturation process that takes place after gamete cell specification, and is essential for the correct functioning of both male and female gametophytes.