SEPALLATA MADS transcription factors act as key regulators in fertilization efficiency, ovule outer integument growth and mucilage secretory cell differentiation in Arabidopsis
In angiosperms, ovule development requires the activity of the C, D and E classes of MADS genes, which encode key transcriptional regulators of reproductive development. The SEPALLATA (SEP) MADS transcription factors (MTFs), which belong to the E class, act as organizing hubs of MADS heterotetrameric complexes and play an essential role in the development of flower organs. However, the role of…
The SEPALLATA (SEP) MADS transcription factors, belonging to the E class, are essential transcriptional regulators in the development of flower organs in angiosperms. However, their specific roles in ovule and seed development have been challenging to determine due to genetic redundancy and the absence of observable phenotypes in certain mutant lines.
Researchers have developed a modified SEP3 (SEP3{Delta}M) protein, which lacks the DNA-binding MADS domain but still retains the necessary domains for MADS protein interaction. In vitro tests revealed that SEP3{Delta}M can still interact with C and D class MADS transcription factors, thus impacting their ability to bind DNA effectively.
Plants with the sep3{Delta}M mutation displayed delayed flower opening, impaired organ maturation, and reduced fertility. Furthermore, the ovules exhibited diminished outer integument growth, and the limited seeds that formed showed impaired mucilage secretion upon imbibition. Analysis of gene expression in sep3{Delta}M plants indicated misregulation of genes involved in outer integument and seed coat development.
These findings demonstrate the critical role of SEP3-containing MADS complexes in the proper growth and development of the ovule outer integument and seed coat.
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