Partially redundant functions of two SET-domain polycomb-group proteins in controlling initiation of seed development in Arabidopsis.
In Arabidopsis, a complex of Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins functions in the female gametophyte to control the initiation of seed development. Mutations in the PcG genes, including MEDEA (MEA) and FERTILIZATION-INDEPENDENT SEED 2 (FIS2), produce autonomous seeds where endosperm proliferation occurs in the absence of fertilization. By using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified MEA and a related protein, SWINGER (SWN), as SET-domain partners of FIS2. Localization data indicated that all three proteins are present in the female gametophyte. Although single-mutant swn plants did not show any defects, swn mutations enhanced the mea mutant phenotype in producing autonomous seeds. Thus, MEA and SWN perform partially redundant functions in controlling the initiation of endosperm development before fertilization in Arabidopsis.
Wang
Dongfang
D
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, 85721-0036, USA.
Tyson
Mark D
MD
Jackson
Shawn S
SS
Yadegari
Ramin
R
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000196:embryology*; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology; D005718:Gametogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D011485:Protein Binding; D021381:Protein Transport; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012639:Seeds / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D020798:Two-Hybrid System Techniques
D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; C117389:FIS2 protein, Arabidopsis; C111712:MEA protein, Arabidopsis; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; C513799:SWINGER protein, Arabidopsis; D014157:Transcription Factors