Pyramiding resistances based on translation initiation factors in Arabidopsis is impaired by male gametophyte lethality.
In eukaryotes, eIF4E translation initiation factors are essential proteins encoded by a small multigene family. In plants, they are a major source of host plant resistance to potyviruses that require specific 4E factors to infect cells. Combining mutations in different eIF4E genes could be a way of broadening the spectrum of plant resistance to viruses. We attempted to combine null mutations affecting the two main Arabidopsis thaliana 4E factors eIF4E1 and eIFiso4E but discovered that this combination is lethal. Transmission through the male gametophyte is completely abolished in the eif4e1 eifiso4e double mutant. This shows that eIF4E1 and eIFiso4E are essential for male gametophyte development and act redundantly. These results may have implications for eIF4E-based pyramiding strategies to improve crop resistance.
INRA-UR1052; Genetics and Breeding of Fruits and Vegetables; Dom. St Maurice; F-84143 Montfavet Cedex, France.
Caroline
C
Callot
INRA-UR1052; Genetics and Breeding of Fruits and Vegetables; Dom. St Maurice; F-84143 Montfavet Cedex, France.
Jean Luc
JL
Gallois
D000483:Alleles; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000235:genetics*; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D060467:Disease Resistance; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D017343:Genes, Plant; D060005:Genotyping Techniques; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D010448:Peptide Initiation Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D011058:Pollen / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D059467:Transcriptome / Q000235:genetics
D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D010448:Peptide Initiation Factors
Arabidopsis; eIF4E; gametophyte development; translation initiation; virus resistance