title: microRNA156-targeted SPL/SBP box transcription factors regulate tomato ovary and fruit development.
abstract: Fruit ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is well understood at the molecular level. However, information regarding genetic pathways associated with tomato ovary and early fruit development is still lacking. Here, we investigate the possible role(s) of the microRNA156/SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL or SBP box) module (miR156 node) in tomato ovary development. miR156-targeted S. lycopersicum SBP genes were dynamically expressed in developing flowers and ovaries, and miR156 was mainly expressed in meristematic tissues of the ovary, including placenta and ovules. Transgenic tomato cv. Micro-Tom plants over-expressing the AtMIR156b precursor exhibited abnormal flower and fruit morphology, with fruits characterized by growth of extra carpels and ectopic structures. Scanning electron microscopy and histological analyses showed the presence of meristem-like structures inside the ovaries, which are probably responsible for the ectopic organs. Interestingly, expression of genes associated with meristem maintenance and formation of new organs, such as LeT6/TKN2 (a KNOX-like class I gene) and GOBLET (a NAM/CUC-like gene), was induced in developing ovaries of transgenic plants as well as in the ovaries of the natural mutant Mouse ear (Me), which also displays fruits with extra carpels. Conversely, expression of the MADS box genes MACROCALYX (MC) and FUL1/TDR4, and the LEAFY ortholog FALSIFLORA, was repressed in the developing ovaries of miR156 over-expressors, suggesting similarities with Arabidopsis at this point of the miR156/SPL pathway but with distinct functional consequences in reproductive development. Altogether, these observations suggest that the miR156 node is involved in maintenance of the meristematic state of ovary tissues, thereby controlling initial steps of fleshy fruit development and determinacy.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Plant Development, Department of Genetics, Instituto de Biociências, State University of Sao Paulo, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil; Centro de Biotecnologia Agricola, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', University of Sao Paulo, 13418-900, Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Geraldo Felipe
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Ferreira e Silva
authors.forename: Eder Marques
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Mariana da Silva
authors.initials: Mda S
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.forename: Mike Anderson Corazon
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Guivin
authors.forename: Daniel Alves
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ramiro
authors.forename: Cassia Regina
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.forename: Helaine
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Carrer
authors.forename: Lázaro Eustáquio Pereira
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Peres
authors.forename: Fabio Tebaldi Silveira
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Nogueira
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D035264:Flowers / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D005638:Fruit / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D026161:MADS Domain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D012322:RNA Precursors / Q000235:genetics; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D026161:MADS Domain Proteins; D035683:MicroRNAs; C559759:Mirn156 microRNA, Arabidopsis; D010940:Plant Proteins; D012322:RNA Precursors; D018749:RNA, Plant; D014157:Transcription Factors
keywords: SPL/SBPs; Solanum lycopersicum; fruit patterning; gynoecium; microRNA156; ovary