Molecular control of grass inflorescence development.
The grass family is one of the largest families in angiosperms and has evolved a characteristic inflorescence morphology, with complex branches and specialized spikelets. The origin and development of the highly divergent inflorescence architecture in grasses have recently received much attention. Increasing evidence has revealed that numerous factors, such as transcription factors and plant hormones, play key roles in determining reproductive meristem fate and inflorescence patterning in grasses. Moreover, some molecular switches that have been implicated in specifying inflorescence shapes contribute significantly to grain yields in cereals. Here, we review key genetic and molecular switches recently identified from two model grass species, rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays), that regulate inflorescence morphology specification, including meristem identity, meristem size and maintenance, initiation and outgrowth of axillary meristems, and organogenesis. Furthermore, we summarize emerging networks of genes and pathways in grass inflorescence morphogenesis and emphasize their evolutionary divergence in comparison with the model eudicot Arabidopsis thaliana. We also discuss the agricultural application of genes controlling grass inflorescence development.
State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; email: zhangdb@sjtu.edu.cn.
Dabing
D
Zhang
Zheng
Z
Yuan
D056626:Inflorescence / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D012275:Oryza / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism
D010937:Plant Growth Regulators; D014157:Transcription Factors