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Article
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Petal abscission is promoted by jasmonic acid-induced autophagy at Arabidopsis petal bases
In angiosperms, petal abscission is crucial for reproductive success and seed dispersion. However, the regulation of this abscission remains unclear. Here, the authors identify a process of petal abscission regulated by jasmonic acid via autophagy at the base of Arabidopsis petals.
- Yuki Furuta
- , Haruka Yamamoto
- & Nobutoshi Yamaguchi
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Article
| Open Access
Dysfunction of duplicated pair rice histone acetyltransferases causes segregation distortion and an interspecific reproductive barrier
Loss of function alleles of two genetically interacting loci mediate both segregation distortion and interspecific hybrid incompatible via epigenetic regulation in rice.
- Ben Liao
- , You-Huang Xiang
- & Hong-Xuan Lin
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Article
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MADS1-regulated lemma and awn development benefits barley yield
HvMADS1 in barley positively regulates awn length and lemma width by promoting cell proliferation through direct action on the expression of HvSHI and HvDL. In wheat, MADS1 conservatively regulates awn length.
- Yueya Zhang
- , Chaoqun Shen
- & Dabing Zhang
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Article
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Dominance in self-compatibility between subgenomes of allopolyploid Arabidopsis kamchatica shown by transgenic restoration of self-incompatibility
Self-incompatibility in diploid Arabidopsis relatives is determined by a dominance relationship that is epigenetically regulated. Using transgenic methods, this study demonstrates that the dominance relationship between subgenomes of the allopolyploid species Arabidopsis kamchatica underlies it’s self-compatibility.
- Chow-Lih Yew
- , Takashi Tsuchimatsu
- & Kentaro K. Shimizu
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Spatial transcriptomics uncover sucrose post-phloem transport during maize kernel development
Maize kernels have long intrigued researchers due to their complex structure. Through microscopic sectioning and spatial transcriptomics, the authors observed the spatial distribution of RNA through electronic RNA in situ hybridization maps and discovered how storage accumulation occurs.
- Yuxin Fu
- , Wenxin Xiao
- & Wenqin Wang
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Article
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MSH2 stimulates interfering and inhibits non-interfering crossovers in response to genetic polymorphism
Interhomolog polymorphism, which is detected by MSH2-containing heterodimers, may affect crossover outcomes during meiosis. Here, the authors revealed antagonistic effects of MSH2 on interfering and non-interfering crossover pathways in Arabidopsis.
- Julia Dluzewska
- , Wojciech Dziegielewski
- & Piotr A. Ziolkowski
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Article
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A natural mutation in the promoter of Ms-cd1 causes dominant male sterility in Brassica oleracea
A dominant genic male sterility (DGMS) mutant of Brassica oleracea was identified in 1970s and has been widely used for hybrid cabbage breeding, but its genetic basis is unclear. Here, the authors reveal that a 1-bp deletion in the promoter of the gene encoding a PHD-finger motif transcription factor is responsible for DGMS.
- Fengqing Han
- , Kaiwen Yuan
- & Honghao Lv
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Exo84c interacts with VAP27 to regulate exocytotic compartment degradation and stigma senescence
The exocyst complex is essential for plant development. Here the authors reveal a link between the exocyst complex and the ER network in regulating the degradation of exocytic compartments, stigma senescence and flower receptivity
- Tong Zhang
- , Yifan Li
- & Pengwei Wang
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Article
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Two complementary genes in a presence-absence variation contribute to indica-japonica reproductive isolation in rice
The mechanisms of the partial reproductive isolation between the two subspecies of rice remains obscure. Here, the authors show that the two adjacent genes form a killer-protector system to induce hybrid male sterility and reproductive isolation between indica and japonica.
- Daiqi Wang
- , Hongru Wang
- & Ziqiang Liu
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Breakdown of self-incompatibility due to genetic interaction between a specific S-allele and an unlinked modifier
Breakdown of self-incompatibility in plants is often attributed to S-locus mutations. Here, by crossing between populations of Arabidopsis lyrate that differ in their breeding system, the authors propose that a modifier unlinked to the S-locus causes self-compatibility by disrupting S-locus function.
- Yan Li
- , Ekaterina Mamonova
- & Marc Stift
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Article
| Open Access
Spatial distribution of three ARGONAUTEs regulates the anther phasiRNA pathway
Spatial and intracellular control of three Argonaute proteins is crucial for anther development in rice. Two, AGO1b and AGO1d, may carry 1st uracil–phasiRNAs as mobile signals from the somatic cell layers to the germ cells in the anther.
- Hinako Tamotsu
- , Koji Koizumi
- & Reina Komiya
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Article
| Open Access
PXL1 and SERKs act as receptor–coreceptor complexes for the CLE19 peptide to regulate pollen development
CLE19 is a secreted peptide required for pollen development and other processes in Arabidopsis. Here the authors show that PXL1 and SERKs act as receptors and co-receptors for CLE19 and regulate tapetum transcriptional networks that promote pollen development.
- Ying Yu
- , Wen Song
- & Fang Chang
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Article
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A VEL3 histone deacetylase complex establishes a maternal epigenetic state controlling progeny seed dormancy
Mother plants play an important role in determining the dispersal characteristics of their progeny. Here the authors show that a VEL3 histone deacetylase complex establishes a maternal epigenetic state controlling progeny seed dormancy.
- Xiaochao Chen
- , Dana R. MacGregor
- & Steven Penfield
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Article
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Pollen tube emergence is mediated by ovary-expressed ALCATRAZ in cucumber
Pollen tube growth is guided towards ovules. Here the authors show that a bHLH transcriptional factor CsALC functions in pollen tube emergence towards ovules to regulate female fertility in cucumber and promotes the expression of two rapid alkalinization factors CsRALF4/19 in the ovary.
- Zhihua Cheng
- , Xiaofeng Liu
- & Xiaolan Zhang
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Evidence that endosperm turgor pressure both promotes and restricts seed growth and size
Using computational simulations and experiments, the authors propose a mechanical model of seed growth where endosperm pressure directly induces growth but indirectly inhibits it through force-dependent testa wall stiffening.
- Audrey Creff
- , Olivier Ali
- & Benoit Landrein
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Article
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Histone H3.3 deposition in seed is essential for the post-embryonic developmental competence in Arabidopsis
Producing vigorous seeds that can germinate and establish seedlings is vital for plant propagation. Here, the authors report the critical function of histone variant H3.3 in establishing chromatin accessibility and seed vigour in Arabidopsis.
- Ting Zhao
- , Jingyun Lu
- & Danhua Jiang
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Article
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CRY2 interacts with CIS1 to regulate thermosensory flowering via FLM alternative splicing
CRY2 mediates photoperiod-responsive floral initiation in Arabidopsis. Here the authors show that CRY2 also regulates temperature sensitive flowering and that CRY2 can interact with and regulate the splicing factor CIS1 to affect alternative splicing of transcripts that regulate flowering.
- Zhiwei Zhao
- , Craig Dent
- & Hongtao Liu
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Article
| Open Access
Specification of female germline by microRNA orchestrated auxin signaling in Arabidopsis
In most flowering plants, a single megaspore mother cell (MMC) is formed in each ovule. Here the authors show that miR160 and the auxin response factor ARF17 act to promote MMC fate via SPL/NZZ and control auxin signaling to prevent somatic cells from acquiring MMC fate.
- Jian Huang
- , Lei Zhao
- & Dazhong Zhao
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Article
| Open Access
Paternal imprinting of dosage-effect defective1 contributes to seed weight xenia in maize
Xenia effects describe the genetic contribution of pollen to seed phenotypes. Here the authors show that paternal imprinting of Ded1 contributes to the xenia effect in maize by setting the pace of endosperm development.
- Dawei Dai
- , Janaki S. Mudunkothge
- & A. Mark Settles
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Three types of genes underlying the Gametophyte factor1 locus cause unilateral cross incompatibility in maize
Unilateral cross incompatibility (UCI) is a type of prezygotic reproductive isolation, which is associated with multiple loci in maize. Here, the authors use genetic analysis to separate the Ga1 locus into two functional components and identify seven linked genes encoding three types of proteins.
- Yuebin Wang
- , Wenqiang Li
- & Jianbing Yan
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Article
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Mechanism of fertilization-induced auxin synthesis in the endosperm for seed and fruit development
In flowering plants, fertilization triggers auxin synthesis in the endosperm to promote seed and fruit development. Here the authors show that an MADS-box transcription factor AGL62 is required to activate auxin synthesis in the endosperms of Fragaria vesca, a diploid strawberry, and Arabidopsis.
- Lei Guo
- , Xi Luo
- & Zhongchi Liu
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POD1-SUN-CRT3 chaperone complex guards the ER sorting of LRR receptor kinases in Arabidopsis
Cargo transport from the ER to the Golgi is highly selective. Here the authors identify three secretory pathway localized proteins that regulate ER sorting of receptor kinases in Arabidopsis and are required to support pollen tube growth.
- Yong Xue
- , Jiang-Guo Meng
- & Wei-Cai Yang
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Article
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Dandelion pappus morphing is actuated by radially patterned material swelling
The dandelion pappus opens and closes reversibly to tune seed dispersal according to environmental moisture levels. Here the authors combined experiments with a computational model to show that pappus closure is coordinated by radially-patterned tissue swelling at the base of floral organs.
- Madeleine Seale
- , Annamaria Kiss
- & Naomi Nakayama
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ROS homeostasis mediated by MPK4 and SUMM2 determines synergid cell death
Synergid cells undergo programmed cell death following pollen tube reception and successful fertilization. Here the authors show that premature synergid cell death is prevented by the mitogen activated protein kinase MPK4 and the R protein SUMM2 which maintain ROS homeostasis in Arabidopsis.
- Ronny Völz
- , William Harris
- & Yong-Hwan Lee
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Article
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Sex-linked deubiquitinase establishes uniparental transmission of chloroplast DNA
Most sexual organisms ensure that organelles are inherited from a single parent. Here, the authors describe OTU2p, a Chlamydomonas deubiquitinase that drives uniparental organelle inheritance without gametic dimorphism by preventing proteasome-mediated degradation exclusively in gametes of the plus mating type.
- Sunjoo Joo
- , Thamali Kariyawasam
- & Jae-Hyeok Lee
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Article
| Open Access
Nitrogen nutrition contributes to plant fertility by affecting meiosis initiation
Nitrogen deficiency can cause floral abortion during reproductive development of rice. Here the authors show that when nitrogen is limited, rice plants require the ETFβ protein, which is involved in branched chain amino acid catabolism, to promote nitrogen reutilization and support the initiation of meiosis.
- Han Yang
- , Yafei Li
- & Zhukuan Cheng
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Article
| Open Access
SYP72 interacts with the mechanosensitive channel MSL8 to protect pollen from hypoosmotic shock during hydration
Pollen grains undergo desiccation and rehydration prior to germination and must survive osmotic shock. Here the authors show that the Qc-SNARE protein SYP72 is required for the localization of the mechanosensitive channel MSL8 at the plasma membrane and to maintain viability during rehydration.
- Xuemei Zhou
- , Yifan Zheng
- & Peng Zhao
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Article
| Open Access
VviPLATZ1 is a major factor that controls female flower morphology determination in grapevine
Unlike wild Vitis species, which produce either female or male flowers, modern grapevine cultivars form hermaphrodite flowers for self-pollination. Here, the authors report that the VviPLATZ1 (plant AT-rich sequence-and zinc-binding protein1) transcription factor functions in controlling female flower morphology determination.
- Pat Iocco-Corena
- , Jamila Chaïb
- & Harley M. Smith
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Sterols are required for the coordinated assembly of lipid droplets in developing seeds
Lipid droplet biogenesis originates at the endoplasmic reticulum and is defined by a specific set of lipids and proteins. Here, the authors show that sterols play an important role in coordinating oil and oleosin biosynthesis for the formation of lipid droplets in plant leaves and seeds.
- Linhui Yu
- , Jilian Fan
- & Changcheng Xu
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Article
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Species-specific gamete recognition initiates fusion-driving trimer formation by conserved fusogen HAP2
HAP2 is essential for gamete fusion during fertilization and is conserved among eukaryotes. Here the authors show that species-specific adhesion between Chlamydomonas plus and minus gametes initiates HAP2 to undergo a fusogenic conformational change into homotrimers via a molecular mechanism akin to that of enveloped viruses.
- Jun Zhang
- , Jennifer F. Pinello
- & William J. Snell
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Coordination of biradial-to-radial symmetry and tissue polarity by HD-ZIP II proteins
The apical style in Arabidopsis is formed following a bilateral-to-radial symmetry transition in the gynoecium. Here the authors show that the final step in style radialization is coordinated by the adaxial regulators HAT3 and ATHB4, which are induced by the SPT and HEC transcription factors.
- Monica Carabelli
- , Luana Turchi
- & Laila Moubayidin
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Article
| Open Access
A nonS-locus F-box gene breaks self-incompatibility in diploid potatoes
Diploid potatoes are typically self-incompatible, complicating efforts to breed diploid cultivars. Here the authors report map-based cloning of the S-locus inhibitor (Sli) gene in potato which encodes a non S-locus F-box protein that is expressed in pollen and can functions like a general S-RNase inhibitor to overcome self-incompatibility.
- Ling Ma
- , Chunzhi Zhang
- & Yi Shang
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Article
| Open Access
Neofunctionalisation of the Sli gene leads to self-compatibility and facilitates precision breeding in potato
The S-locus inhibitor (Sli) gene could allow potato breeding by facilitating production of diploid inbred lines. Here the authors show that Sli encodes an F-box protein with a promoter insertion enhancing expression in pollen can overcome pollen rejection in the styles of diploid potato.
- Ernst-Jan Eggers
- , Ate van der Burgt
- & Pim Lindhout
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Article
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LEAFY COTYLEDON1 expression in the endosperm enables embryo maturation in Arabidopsis
The LEC1 transcription factor is expressed in both embryo and endosperm during seed development. Here the authors show that LEC1 expression in the endosperm is necessary and sufficient for embryo maturation and that LEC1 protein is trafficked to the embryo to activate seed maturation.
- Jingpu Song
- , Xin Xie
- & Yuhai Cui
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Article
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Persistent directional growth capability in Arabidopsis thaliana pollen tubes after nuclear elimination from the apex
Arabidopsis pollen contains a vegetative nucleus and two sperm cells that move to the apical region during pollen tube growth. Here, Motomura et al. make use of transgenic pollen with immobilized nuclei and show that, contrary to previous assumptions, movement of the vegetative nucleus is not needed for pollen tube guidance.
- Kazuki Motomura
- , Hidenori Takeuchi
- & Daisuke Maruyama
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Multifunctional evolution of B and AGL6 MADS box genes in orchids
B class AP3/PI and AGL6-like MADS proteins determine lips and sepals/petals identities in orchids. Here, the authors characterize the extended function of OAP3/OPI/OAGL6 in regulating the specific structure of the lateral sepals, pigmentation/senescence of the perianth and abscission of the pedicel.
- Hsing-Fun Hsu
- , Wei-Han Chen
- & Chang-Hsien Yang
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Article
| Open Access
Male fertility in Arabidopsis requires active DNA demethylation of genes that control pollen tube function
Active DNA demethylation is required for sexual reproduction in plants, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, the authors show that the DNA glycosylases DEMETER and REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1 enable the DNA demethylation-dependent activation of genes involved in pollen tube progression.
- Souraya Khouider
- , Filipe Borges
- & Daniel Bouyer
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Article
| Open Access
Reproductive phasiRNAs regulate reprogramming of gene expression and meiotic progression in rice
21-nucleotide phased secondary siRNAs are expressed in the developing rice anthers during meiosis. Here, the authors show that phasiRNAs can cleave target mRNA and act to ensure the progression of meiosis and fertility in rice.
- Yu-Chan Zhang
- , Meng-Qi Lei
- & Yue-Qin Chen
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Article
| Open Access
21-nt phasiRNAs direct target mRNA cleavage in rice male germ cells
Phased small interfering RNA (phasiRNAs) are abundantly expressed in the anthers of grasses. Here, the authors profile 21-nt and 24-nt phasiRNA expression at different stages of meiocyte development in rice and provide evidence that 21-nt phasiRNAs direct cleavage of hundreds of target mRNAs.
- Pengfei Jiang
- , Bi Lian
- & Yijun Qi
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Article
| Open Access
Mechanism of self/nonself-discrimination in Brassica self-incompatibility
Self-incompatibility responses in Brassica are induced by haplotype-specific interactions between the pistil-expressed SRK receptor and pollen-expressed SP11 ligand. Here, via crystal structures and molecular dynamic simulations, the authors provide a model to explain why binding of cognate partners is favoured and how haplotypes can be distinguished.
- Kohji Murase
- , Yoshitaka Moriwaki
- & Seiji Takayama
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Article
| Open Access
DNA methylation is reconfigured at the onset of reproduction in rice shoot apical meristem
The shoot apical meristem of flowering plants transitions from forming leaves to floral organs. Here Higo et al. show that DNA methylation of many transposons that are hypermethylated in gametes is established in the SAM before flowering, suggesting it protects against harmful transposition long before germ cell differentiation.
- Asuka Higo
- , Noriko Saihara
- & Hiroyuki Tsuji
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Article
| Open Access
miR2118-dependent U-rich phasiRNA production in rice anther wall development
MicroRNA2118 induces the production of phased small interfering RNAs (phaisRNAs) in plants. Here the authors show that rice miR2118 is required for both male and female fertility and supports the production of atypical U-rich 21 nt phasiRNAs that are abundant in anther walls.
- Saori Araki
- , Ngoc Tu Le
- & Reina Komiya
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Article
| Open Access
The genetic basis of sex determination in grapes
Grapevine is one of a few ancestrally dioecious crops that are reverted to hermaphroditism during domestication. Here, the authors identify candidate genes related to male- and female-sterility in grapes and describe the genetic process that led to hermaphroditism during domestication.
- Mélanie Massonnet
- , Noé Cochetel
- & Dario Cantu
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Article
| Open Access
Dicer-like 5 deficiency confers temperature-sensitive male sterility in maize
Small RNAs act to regulate gene or transposon activity during plant development. Here, the authors show that maize Dicer-like 5 is required for 24-nt phased, secondary small interfering RNA production in anthers and that dicer-like 5 mutants show abnormal tapetal development and temperature-sensitive sterility.
- Chong Teng
- , Han Zhang
- & Virginia Walbot
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Article
| Open Access
Adaptive reduction of male gamete number in the selfing plant Arabidopsis thaliana
Reduction of pollen grain number is widespread in selfing plants, but the determining gene is unknown. Here, the authors show that a ribosome-biogenesis factor encoding gene RDP1 is responsible for adaptive reduction of male gamete number in Arabidopsis thaliana.
- Takashi Tsuchimatsu
- , Hiroyuki Kakui
- & Kentaro K. Shimizu
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Article
| Open Access
Plasma membrane H+-ATPases sustain pollen tube growth and fertilization
Cytosolic ion gradients in growing pollen tubes are thought to be required for polar growth. Here the authors show that the Arabidopsis plasma membrane H+ ATPases, AHA6, AHA8, and AHA9, maintain tip-to-shank proton gradients, oscillations in cytosolic pH and actin organization to enable pollen tube elongation.
- Robert D. Hoffmann
- , Maria Teresa Portes
- & Michael Palmgren
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Article
| Open Access
Repressive chromatin modification underpins the long-term expression trend of a perennial flowering gene in nature
The flowering regulator FLC shows upregulation and downregulation phases along with long-term past temperature in Arabidopsis halleri. Here, the authors reveal that H3K27me3-mediated chromatin regulation at AhgFLC provides the ability to respond to both the seasonal temperature trends and the perennial life cycle.
- Haruki Nishio
- , Diana M. Buzas
- & Hiroshi Kudoh
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Article
| Open Access
Transcriptional repression of GIF1 by the KIX-PPD-MYC repressor complex controls seed size in Arabidopsis
Seed size is an important determinant of plant yield. Here, Liu et al. show that a KIX-PPD repressor complex and MYC transcription factors interact with the G-box motif in the promoter of GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR 1 to regulate seed size by influencing cell proliferation and elongation in the integument.
- Zupei Liu
- , Na Li
- & Yunhai Li
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Article
| Open Access
Parallel evolution of dominant pistil-side self-incompatibility suppressors in Arabidopsis
In Brassicaceae, interaction between the pollen-derived peptide ligand SP11 and the pistil-expressed receptor kinase SRK leads to self-incompatibility. Here the authors provide evidence that in Arabidopsis dominant self-compatibility inducers evolved at least twice via insertion of inverted repeats in the SRK locus.
- Sota Fujii
- , Hiroko Shimosato-Asano
- & Seiji Takayama
Autophagy-mediated degradation of integumentary tapetum is critical for embryo pattern formation