Short vegetative phase-like MADS-box genes inhibit floral meristem identity in barley.
Analysis of the functions of Short Vegetative Phase (SVP)-like MADS-box genes in barley (Hordeum vulgare) indicated a role in determining meristem identity. Three SVP-like genes are expressed in vegetative tissues of barley: Barley MADS1 (BM1), BM10, and Vegetative to Reproductive Transition gene 2. These genes are induced by cold but are repressed during floral development. Ectopic expression of BM1 inhibited spike development and caused floral reversion in barley, with florets at the base of the spike replaced by tillers. Head emergence was delayed in plants that ectopically express BM1, primarily by delayed development after the floral transition, but expression levels of the barley VRN1 gene (HvVRN1) were not affected. Ectopic expression of BM10 inhibited spike development and caused partial floral reversion, where florets at the base of the spike were replaced by inflorescence-like structures, but did not affect heading date. Floral reversion occurred more frequently when BM1 and BM10 ectopic expression lines were grown in short-day conditions. BM1 and BM10 also inhibited floral development and caused floral reversion when expressed in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We conclude that SVP-like genes function to suppress floral meristem identity in winter cereals.
Trevaskis
Ben
B
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Division of Plant Industry, Canberra, Australian Capitol Territory 2601, Australia.
Tadege
Million
M
Hemming
Megan N
MN
Peacock
W James
WJ
Dennis
Elizabeth S
ES
Sheldon
Candice
C
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000235:genetics; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003080:Cold Temperature; D035264:Flowers / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D001467:Hordeum / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D026161:MADS Domain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D018519:Meristem / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D017440:Photoperiod; D010802:Phylogeny; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism
D026161:MADS Domain Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins