A naturally occurring epigenetic mutation in a gene encoding an SBP-box transcription factor inhibits tomato fruit ripening.
A major component in the regulatory network controlling fruit ripening is likely to be the gene at the tomato Colorless non-ripening (Cnr) locus. The Cnr mutation results in colorless fruits with a substantial loss of cell-to-cell adhesion. The nature of the mutation and the identity of the Cnr gene were previously unknown. Using positional cloning and virus-induced gene silencing, here we demonstrate that an SBP-box (SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like) gene resides at the Cnr locus. Furthermore, the Cnr phenotype results from a spontaneous epigenetic change in the SBP-box promoter. The discovery that Cnr is an epimutation was unexpected, as very few spontaneous epimutations have been described in plants. This study demonstrates that an SBP-box gene is critical for normal ripening and highlights the likely importance of epialleles in plant development and the generation of natural variation.
Manning
Kenneth
K
Warwick Horticulture Research International (HRI), University of Warwick, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, UK.
Tör
Mahmut
M
Poole
Mervin
M
Hong
Yiguo
Y
Thompson
Andrew J
AJ
King
Graham J
GJ
Giovannoni
James J
JJ
Seymour
Graham B
GB
D001483:Base Sequence; D018744:DNA, Plant / Q000235:genetics; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005638:Fruit / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D015870:Gene Expression; D017343:Genes, Plant; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*
D018744:DNA, Plant; D010940:Plant Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors