Suppression of heterotrimeric G-protein beta-subunit affects anther shape, pollen development and inflorescence architecture in tobacco.
The role of the heterotrimeric G-protein beta-subunit in plant development was studied in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants with reduced beta-subunit levels due to the antisense expression of the beta-subunit mRNA. The antisense plants had aberrant anther shape and produced non-germinating pollen. The anthers were sporadically transformed to petals, whereas other floral organs were not affected. The pollen grains were smaller than the wild-type pollen and had abnormal cell walls. The architecture of mature antisense plants was altered. The plants had long branched panicles and short stems. These data suggest that the beta-subunit of the plant heterotrimeric G-proteins is involved in the regulation of the reproductive phase of the tobacco life cycle, particularly in stamen development and pollen maturation.
Peskan-Berghöfer
Tatjana
T
Institute of General Botany and Plant Physiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Dornburgerstr. 159, 07743 Jena, Germany.
Neuwirth
Jana
J
Kusnetsov
Victor
V
Oelmüller
Ralf
R
D035264:Flowers / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015870:Gene Expression; D010641:Phenotype; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D011058:Pollen / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016372:RNA, Antisense; D012098:Reproduction; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development
D010940:Plant Proteins; D021122:Protein Subunits; D016372:RNA, Antisense; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins