Molecular characterization of two stamen-specific genes, tap1 and fil1, that are expressed in the wild type, but not in the deficiens mutant of Antirrhinum majus.
Deficiens, a homeotic gene involved in the genetic control of flower development, codes for a putative transcription factor. Upon mutation of the gene, petals are transformed to sepals and stamens to carpels, indicating that deficiens is essential for the activation of genes required for petal and stamen formation. In a search for putative target genes of deficiens, several stamen- and petal-specific genes were cloned that are expressed in wild type but not in the deficiensglobifera mutant. In this report the molecular characterization of two of these genes, tap1 and fil1, is presented. They are transiently expressed during flower development. In situ hybridization data demonstrate that tap1 is expressed in the tapetum of the anthers and fil1 in the filament of the stamen and at the bases of the petals. Both genes encode small proteins with N-terminal hydrophobic domains suggesting that they are secreted. We discuss possible functions of the gene products and their relationship to the deficiens gene.
Max-Planck-Institut für Züchtungsforschung, Köln, Federal Republic of Germany.
W K
WK
Nacken
P
P
Huijser
J P
JP
Beltran
H
H
Saedler
H
H
Sommer
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D016384:Consensus Sequence; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics*; D005801:Genes, Homeobox / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D063245:Plant Development; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics*; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals / Q000235:genetics; D015719:Single-Strand Specific DNA and RNA Endonucleases / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
D010940:Plant Proteins; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals; D014157:Transcription Factors; D015719:Single-Strand Specific DNA and RNA Endonucleases