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Wang W, Malka R, Lindemeier M, Cyprys P, Tiedemann S, Sun K, Zhang X, Xiong H, Sprunck S, Sun MX. EGG CELL 1 contributes to egg-cell-dependent preferential fertilization in Arabidopsis. Nat Plants 2024; 10:268-282. [PMID: 38287093 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
During double fertilization in angiosperms, the pollen tube delivers two sperm cells into an embryo sac; one sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, and the other sperm cell fuses with the central cell. It has long been proposed that the preference for fusion with one or another female gamete cell depends on the sperm cells and occurs during gamete recognition. However, up to now, sperm-dependent preferential fertilization has not been demonstrated, and results on preferred fusion with either female gamete have remained conflicting. To investigate this topic, we generated Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that produce single sperm-like cells or whose egg cells are eliminated; we found that although the three different types of sperm-like cell are functionally equivalent in their ability to fertilize the egg and the central cell, each type of sperm-like cell fuses predominantly with the egg cell. This indicates that it is the egg cell that controls its preferential fertilization. We also found that sperm-activating small secreted EGG CELL 1 proteins are involved in the regulation of egg-cell-dependent preferential fertilization, revealing another important role for this protein family during double fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Raphael Malka
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria Lindemeier
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Cyprys
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Tiedemann
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kaiting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuecheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanxian Xiong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Stefanie Sprunck
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Meng-Xiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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2
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Li L, Hou S, Xiang W, Song Z, Wang Y, Zhang L, Li J, Gu H, Dong J, Dresselhaus T, Zhong S, Qu LJ. The egg cell is preferentially fertilized in Arabidopsis double fertilization. J Integr Plant Biol 2022; 64:2039-2046. [PMID: 36165373 PMCID: PMC9968529 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In flowering plants (angiosperms), fertilization of the egg cell by one sperm cell produces an embryo, whereas fusion of a second sperm cell with the central cell generates the endosperm. In most angiosperms like Arabidopsis, a pollen grain contains two isomorphic sperm cells required for this double fertilization process. A long-standing unsolved question is whether the two fertilization events have any preference. A tool to address this question is the usage of the cyclin-dependent kinase a1 (cdka;1) mutant pollen, which produces a single sperm-like cell (SLC). Here, we first adopt a complementation-based fluorescence-labeling method to successfully separate and collect cdka;1 mutant pollen containing a single SLC. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that cdka;1 SLCs show a gene expression profile highly similar to that of sperm cells and not to the generative cell, precursor of the two sperm cells. Pollination assays using a limited number of cdka;1 mutant pollen revealed that in 98.2% of the ovules, single fertilization of the egg cell occurred. Pollination of pistils with excessive cdka;1 mutant pollen allowed the delivery of a second SLC via fertilization recovery, which fertilized the central cell, resulting in 20.7% double-fertilized ovules. This indicates that cdka;1 SLCs are able to fertilize both the egg and the central cell. Taken together, our findings have answered a long-standing question and support that preferential fertilization of the egg cell is evident in Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Saiying Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zihan Song
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, College of Bioscience and Resources Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hongya Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- The National Plant Gene Research Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Juan Dong
- The Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ“2” 08854, USA
| | - Thomas Dresselhaus
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Sheng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Li-Jia Qu
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- The National Plant Gene Research Center, Beijing 100101, China
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3
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Reynoud N, Geneix N, Petit J, D’Orlando A, Fanuel M, Marion D, Rothan C, Lahaye M, Bakan B. The cutin polymer matrix undergoes a fine architectural tuning from early tomato fruit development to ripening. Plant Physiol 2022; 190:1821-1840. [PMID: 36018278 PMCID: PMC9614491 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The cuticle is a complex polymer matrix that protects all aerial organs of plants, fulfills multiple roles in plant-environment interactions, and is critical for plant development. These functions are associated with the structural features of cuticles, and the architectural modeling of cuticles during plant development is crucial for understanding their physical properties and biological functions. In this work, the in-depth architecture of the cutin polymer matrix during fruit development was investigated. Using cherry tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) as a model from the beginning of the cell expansion phase to the red ripe stage, we designed an experimental scheme combining sample pretreatment, Raman mapping, multivariate data analyses, and biochemical analyses. These approaches revealed clear chemical areas with different contributions of cutin, polysaccharides, and phenolics within the cutin polymer matrix. Besides, we demonstrated that these areas are finely tuned during fruit development, including compositional and macromolecular rearrangements. The specific spatiotemporal accumulation of phenolic compounds (p-coumaric acid and flavonoids) suggests that they fulfill distinct functions during fruit development. In addition, we highlighted an unexpected dynamic remodeling of the cutin-embedded polysaccharides pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Such structural tuning enables consistent adaption of the cutin-polysaccharide continuum and the functional performance of the fruit cuticle at the different developmental stages. This study provides insights into the plant cuticle architecture and in particular into the organization of the epidermal cell wall-cuticle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Reynoud
- INRAE, Unité Biopolymères, Interactions, Assemblages, BP71627 44316, Nantes Cedex3, France
| | - Nathalie Geneix
- INRAE, Unité Biopolymères, Interactions, Assemblages, BP71627 44316, Nantes Cedex3, France
| | - Johann Petit
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, UMR BFP, F-33140, Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Angelina D’Orlando
- INRAE, Unité Biopolymères, Interactions, Assemblages, BP71627 44316, Nantes Cedex3, France
- INRAE PROBE research infrastructure, BIBS Facility, F- 44300, Nantes, France
| | - Mathieu Fanuel
- INRAE, Unité Biopolymères, Interactions, Assemblages, BP71627 44316, Nantes Cedex3, France
- INRAE PROBE research infrastructure, BIBS Facility, F- 44300, Nantes, France
| | - Didier Marion
- INRAE, Unité Biopolymères, Interactions, Assemblages, BP71627 44316, Nantes Cedex3, France
| | | | - Marc Lahaye
- INRAE, Unité Biopolymères, Interactions, Assemblages, BP71627 44316, Nantes Cedex3, France
| | - Bénédicte Bakan
- INRAE, Unité Biopolymères, Interactions, Assemblages, BP71627 44316, Nantes Cedex3, France
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4
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Wang W, Xiong H, Sun K, Zhang B, Sun MX. New insights into cell-cell communications during seed development in flowering plants. J Integr Plant Biol 2022; 64:215-229. [PMID: 34473416 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of seeds is a major reason why flowering plants are a dominant life form on Earth. The developing seed is composed of two fertilization products, the embryo and endosperm, which are surrounded by a maternally derived seed coat. Accumulating evidence indicates that efficient communication among all three seed components is required to ensure coordinated seed development. Cell communication within plant seeds has drawn much attention in recent years. In this study, we review current knowledge of cross-talk among the endosperm, embryo, and seed coat during seed development, and highlight recent advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hanxian Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Kaiting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Meng-Xiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
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5
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Du B, Zhang Q, Cao Q, Xing Y, Qin L, Fang K. Morphological observation and protein expression of fertile and abortive ovules in Castanea mollissima. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11756. [PMID: 34327054 PMCID: PMC8308611 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima Blume.) contain 12-18 ovules in one ovary, but only one ovule develops into a seed, indicating a high ovule abortion rate. In this study, the Chinese chestnut 'Huaihuang' was used to explore the possible mechanisms of ovule abortion with respect to morphology and proteomics. The morphology and microstructure of abortive ovules were found to be considerably different from those of fertile ovules at 20 days after anthesis (20 DAA). The fertile ovules had completely formed tissues, such as the embryo sac, embryo and endosperm. By contrast, in the abortive ovules, there were no embryo sacs, and wide spaces between the integuments were observed, with few nucelli. Fluorescence labelling of the nuclei and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations showed that cells of abortive ovules were abnormally shaped and had thickened cell walls, folded cell membranes, condensed cytoplasm, ruptured nuclear membranes, degraded nucleoli and reduced mitochondria. The iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation) results showed that in the abortive ovules, low levels of soluble protein with small molecular weights were found, and most of differently expressed proteins (DEPs) were related to protein synthesis, accumulation of active oxygen free radical, energy synthesis and so on. These DEPs might be associated with abnormal ovules formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingshuai Du
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Agricultural Application and New Technique, College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Qingqin Cao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Agricultural Application and New Technique, College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Xing
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Agricultural Application and New Technique, College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Agricultural Application and New Technique, College of Plant Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Kefeng Fang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (North China, Ministry of Agriculture P. R. China), Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
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6
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Zhang J, Yue L, Wu X, Liu H, Wang W. Function of Small Peptides During Male-Female Crosstalk in Plants. Front Plant Sci 2021; 12:671196. [PMID: 33968121 PMCID: PMC8102694 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.671196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Plant peptides secreted as signal molecular to trigger cell-to-cell signaling are indispensable for plant growth and development. Successful sexual reproduction in plants requires extensive communication between male and female gametophytes, their gametes, and with the surrounding sporophytic tissues. In the past decade, it has been well-documented that small peptides participate in many important reproductive processes such as self-incompatibility, pollen tube growth, pollen tube guidance, and gamete interaction. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the peptides regulating the processes of male-female crosstalk in plant, aiming at systematizing the knowledge on the sexual reproduction, and signaling of plant peptides in future.
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7
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Nagahara S, Takeuchi H, Higashiyama T. Polyspermy Block in the Central Cell During Double Fertilization of Arabidopsis thaliana. Front Plant Sci 2021; 11:588700. [PMID: 33510743 PMCID: PMC7835324 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.588700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
During double fertilization in angiosperms, two male gametes (sperm cells), are released from a pollen tube into the receptive region between two female gametes; the egg cell and the central cell of the ovule. The sperm cells fertilize the egg cell and the central cell in a one-to-one manner to yield a zygote and an endosperm, respectively. The one-to-one distribution of the sperm cells to the two female gametes is strictly regulated, possibly via communication among the four gametes. Polyspermy block is the mechanism by which fertilized female gametes prevent fertilization by a secondary sperm cell, and has been suggested to operate in the egg cell rather than the central cell. However, whether the central cell also has the ability to avoid polyspermy during double fertilization remains unclear. Here, we assessed the one-to-one fertilization mechanism of the central cell by laser irradiation of the female gametes and live cell imaging of the fertilization process in Arabidopsis thaliana. We successfully disrupted an egg cell within the ovules by irradiation using a femtosecond pulse laser. In the egg-disrupted ovules, the central cell predominantly showed single fertilization by one sperm cell, suggesting that neither the egg cell nor its fusion with one sperm cell is necessary for one-to-one fertilization (i.e., monospermy) of the central cell. In addition, using tetraspore mutants possessing multiple sperm cell pairs in one pollen, we demonstrated that normal double fertilization was observed even when excess sperm cells were released into the receptive region between the female gametes. In ovules accepting four sperm cells, the egg cell never fused with more than one sperm cell, whereas half of the central cells fused with more than one sperm cell (i.e., polyspermy) even 1 h later. Our results suggest that the central cell can block polyspermy during double fertilization, although the central cell is more permissive to polyspermy than the egg cell. The potential contribution of polyspermy block by the central cell is discussed in terms of how it is involved in the one-to-one distribution of the sperm cells to two distinct female gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Nagahara
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hidenori Takeuchi
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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9
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Takahashi T, Mori T, Ueda K, Yamada L, Nagahara S, Higashiyama T, Sawada H, Igawa T. The male gamete membrane protein DMP9/DAU2 is required for double fertilization in flowering plants. Development 2018; 145:145/23/dev170076. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.170076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
All flowering plants exhibit a unique type of sexual reproduction called ‘double fertilization’ in which each pollen tube-delivered sperm cell fuses with an egg and a central cell. Proteins that localize to the plasma membrane of gametes regulate one-to-one gamete pairing and fusion between male and female gametes for successful double fertilization. Here, we have identified a membrane protein from Lilium longiflorum generative cells using proteomic analysis and have found that the protein is an ortholog of Arabidopsis DUF679 DOMAIN MEMBRANE PROTEIN 9 (DMP9)/DUO1-ACTIVATED UNKNOWN 2 (DAU2). The flowering plant DMP9 proteins analyzed in this study were predicted to have four transmembrane domains and be specifically expressed in both generative and sperm cells. Knockdown of DMP9 resulted in aborted seeds due to single fertilization of the central cell. Detailed imaging of DMP9-knockdown sperm cells during in vivo and semi-in vitro double fertilization revealed that DMP9 is involved in gamete interaction that leads to correct double fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Takahashi
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648 Matsudo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba 271-8510, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Mori
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kenji Ueda
- Department of Biological Production, Akita Prefectural University, 41-438 Kaidobata-Nishi, Nakano Shimoshinjo, Akita-shi, Akita 010-0195, Japan
| | - Lixy Yamada
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Nagoya University, Sugashima, Toba-shi, Mie 517-0004, Japan
| | - Shiori Nagahara
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sawada
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Nagoya University, Sugashima, Toba-shi, Mie 517-0004, Japan
| | - Tomoko Igawa
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648 Matsudo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba 271-8510, Japan
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10
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Haslam TM, Gerelle WK, Graham SW, Kunst L. The Unique Role of the ECERIFERUM2-LIKE Clade of the BAHD Acyltransferase Superfamily in Cuticular Wax Metabolism. Plants (Basel) 2017; 6:E23. [PMID: 28608803 PMCID: PMC5489795 DOI: 10.3390/plants6020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids is a conserved process used for the production of many metabolites, including plant cuticular waxes. The elongation of precursors of the most abundant cuticular wax components of some plants, however, is unique in requiring ECERIFERUM2-LIKE (CER2-LIKE) proteins. CER2-LIKEs are a clade within the BAHD superfamily of acyltransferases. They are known to be required for cuticular wax production in both Arabidopsis and maize based on mutant studies. Heterologous expression of Arabidopsis and rice CER2-LIKEs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has demonstrated that they modify the chain-length specificity of elongation when paired with particular condensing enzymes. Despite sequence homology, CER2-LIKEs are distinct from the BAHD superfamily in that they do not appear to use acyl transfer activity to fulfill their biological function. Here, we review the discovery and characterization of CER2-LIKEs, propose several models to explain their function, and explore the importance of CER2-LIKE proteins for the evolution of plant cuticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegan M Haslam
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Wesley K Gerelle
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Sean W Graham
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Ljerka Kunst
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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11
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Pratibha P, Singh SK, Srinivasan R, Bhat SR, Sreenivasulu Y. Gametophyte Development Needs Mitochondrial Coproporphyrinogen III Oxidase Function. Plant Physiol 2017; 174:258-275. [PMID: 28270625 PMCID: PMC5411134 DOI: 10.1104/pp.16.01482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Tetrapyrrole biosynthesis is one of the most essential metabolic pathways in almost all organisms. Coproporphyrinogen III oxidase (CPO) catalyzes the conversion of coproporphyrinogen III into protoporphyrinogen IX in this pathway. Here, we report that mutation in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CPO-coding gene At5g63290 (AtHEMN1) adversely affects silique length, ovule number, and seed set. Athemn1 mutant alleles were transmitted via both male and female gametes, but homozygous mutants were never recovered. Plants carrying Athemn1 mutant alleles showed defects in gametophyte development, including nonviable pollen and embryo sacs with unfused polar nuclei. Improper differentiation of the central cell led to defects in endosperm development. Consequently, embryo development was arrested at the globular stage. The mutant phenotype was completely rescued by transgenic expression of AtHEMN1 Promoter and transcript analyses indicated that AtHEMN1 is expressed mainly in floral tissues and developing seeds. AtHEMN1-green fluorescent protein fusion protein was found targeted to mitochondria. Loss of AtHEMN1 function increased coproporphyrinogen III level and reduced protoporphyrinogen IX level, suggesting the impairment of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis. Blockage of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in the AtHEMN1 mutant led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in anthers and embryo sacs, as evidenced by nitroblue tetrazolium staining. Our results suggest that the accumulated ROS disrupts mitochondrial function by altering their membrane polarity in floral tissues. This study highlights the role of mitochondrial ROS homeostasis in gametophyte and seed development and sheds new light on tetrapyrrole/heme biosynthesis in plant mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritu Pratibha
- Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., S.K.S., Y.S.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., Y.S.); and
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India (R.S., S.R.B.)
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., S.K.S., Y.S.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., Y.S.); and
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India (R.S., S.R.B.)
| | - Ramamurthy Srinivasan
- Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., S.K.S., Y.S.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., Y.S.); and
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India (R.S., S.R.B.)
| | - Shripad Ramachandra Bhat
- Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., S.K.S., Y.S.);
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., Y.S.); and
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India (R.S., S.R.B.)
| | - Yelam Sreenivasulu
- Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., S.K.S., Y.S.);
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India (P.P., Y.S.); and
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi 110012, India (R.S., S.R.B.)
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12
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Abstract
Compared with the animal kingdom, fertilization is particularly complex in flowering plants (angiosperms). Sperm cells of angiosperms have lost their motility and require transportation as a passive cargo by the pollen tube cell to the egg apparatus (egg cell and accessory synergid cells). Sperm cell release from the pollen tube occurs after intensive communication between the pollen tube cell and the receptive synergid, culminating in the lysis of both interaction partners. Following release of the two sperm cells, they interact and fuse with two dimorphic female gametes (the egg and the central cell) forming the major seed components embryo and endosperm, respectively. This process is known as double fertilization. Here, we review the current understanding of the processes of sperm cell reception, gamete interaction, their pre-fertilization activation and fusion, as well as the mechanisms plants use to prevent the fusion of egg cells with multiple sperm cells. The role of Ca(2+) is highlighted in these various processes and comparisons are drawn between fertilization mechanisms in flowering plants and other eukaryotes, including mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dresselhaus
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Sprunck
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gary M Wessel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
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13
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Maruyama D, Ohtsu M, Higashiyama T. Cell fusion and nuclear fusion in plants. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 60:127-135. [PMID: 27473789 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane and have a large nucleus containing the genomic DNA, which is enclosed by a nuclear envelope consisting of the outer and inner nuclear membranes. Although these membranes maintain the identity of cells, they sometimes fuse to each other, such as to produce a zygote during sexual reproduction or to give rise to other characteristically polyploid tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated that the mechanisms of plasma membrane or nuclear membrane fusion in plants are shared to some extent with those of yeasts and animals, despite the unique features of plant cells including thick cell walls and intercellular connections. Here, we summarize the key factors in the fusion of these membranes during plant reproduction, and also focus on "non-gametic cell fusion," which was thought to be rare in plant tissue, in which each cell is separated by a cell wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Maruyama
- Kihara Institute for Biological Research, Yokohama City University, 641-12 Maioka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-0813, Japan.
| | - Mina Ohtsu
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan; Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan; JST ERATO Higashiyama Live-Holonics Project, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
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14
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Carter B, Henderson JT, Svedin E, Fiers M, McCarthy K, Smith A, Guo C, Bishop B, Zhang H, Riksen T, Shockley A, Dilkes BP, Boutilier K, Ogas J. Cross-Talk Between Sporophyte and Gametophyte Generations Is Promoted by CHD3 Chromatin Remodelers in Arabidopsis thaliana. Genetics 2016; 203:817-29. [PMID: 27075727 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.180141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiosperm reproduction requires the integrated development of multiple tissues with different genotypes. To achieve successful fertilization, the haploid female gametophytes and diploid ovary must coordinate their development, after which the male gametes must navigate through the maternal sporophytic tissues to reach the female gametes. After fertilization, seed development requires coordinated development of the maternal diploid integuments, the triploid endosperm, and the diploid zygote. Transcription and signaling factors contribute to communication between these tissues, and roles for epigenetic regulation have been described for some of these processes. Here we identify a broad role for CHD3 chromatin remodelers in Arabidopsis thaliana reproductive development. Plants lacking the CHD3 remodeler, PICKLE, exhibit various reproductive defects including abnormal development of the integuments, female gametophyte, and pollen tube, as well as delayed progression of ovule and embryo development. Genetic analyses demonstrate that these phenotypes result from loss of PICKLE in the maternal sporophyte. The paralogous gene PICKLE RELATED 2 is preferentially expressed in the endosperm and acts antagonistically with respect to PICKLE in the seed: loss of PICKLE RELATED 2 suppresses the large seed phenotype of pickle seeds. Surprisingly, the alteration of seed size in pickle plants is sufficient to determine the expression of embryonic traits in the seedling primary root. These findings establish an important role for CHD3 remodelers in plant reproduction and highlight how the epigenetic status of one tissue can impact the development of genetically distinct tissues.
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15
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Abstract
Flowering seed plants (angiosperms) have evolved unique ways to protect their gametes from pathogen attack and from drying out. The female gametes (egg and central cell) are deeply embedded in the maternal tissues of the ovule inside the ovary, while the male gametes (sperm cells) are enclosed in the vegetative pollen tube cell. After germination of the pollen tube at the surface of papilla cells of the stigma the two immobile sperm cells are transported deep inside the sporophytic maternal tissues to be released inside the ovule for double fertilization. Angiosperms have evolved a number of hurdles along the pollen tube journey to prevent inbreeding and fertilization by alien sperm cells, and to maximize reproductive success. These pre-zygotic hybridization barriers require intensive communication between the male and female reproductive cells and the necessity to distinguish self from non-self interaction partners. General molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) therefore appear to play only a minor role in these species-specific communication events. The past 20 years have shown that highly polymorphic peptides play a leading role in all communication steps along the pollen tube pathway and fertilization. Here we review our current understanding of the role of peptides during reproduction with a focus on peptide signalling during self-incompatibility, pollen tube growth and guidance as well as sperm reception and gamete activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jia Qu
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zijun Lan
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Thomas Dresselhaus
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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16
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Huang J, Ju Y, Wang X, Zhang Q. A one-step rectification of sperm cell targeting ensures the success of double fertilization. J Integr Plant Biol 2015; 57:496-503. [PMID: 25532459 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Successful fertilization in animals depends on competition among millions of sperm cells, whereas double fertilization in flowering plants usually involves just one pollen tube releasing two immobile sperm cells. It is largely a mystery how the plant sperm cells fuse efficiently with their female targets within an embryo sac. We show that the initial positioning of sperm cells upon discharge from the pollen tube is usually inopportune for gamete fusions and that adjustment of sperm cell targeting occurs through release and re-adhesion of one sperm cell, while the other connected sperm cell remains in stagnation. This enables proper adhesion of each sperm cell to a female gamete and coordinates the gamete fusions. Our findings reveal inner embryo sac dynamics that ensure the reproductive success of flowering plants and suggest a requirement for sperm cell differentiation as the basis of double fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Instrumental Analysis and Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
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17
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Molina I, Kosma D. Role of HXXXD-motif/BAHD acyltransferases in the biosynthesis of extracellular lipids. Plant Cell Rep 2015; 34:587-601. [PMID: 25510356 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-014-1721-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial plants have evolved specific adaptations to preserve water and protect themselves from their environment. Such adaptations range from secondary metabolites and specialized structures that conduct water and nutrients, to cell wall modifications (i.e., cuticle and suberin) that prevent dehydration and provide a physical barrier to pathogens. Both the plant cuticle and suberized cell walls contain a lipid polymer framework embedded with waxes, and constitute a promising target for controlled genetic modification to improve desirable agronomic traits. Recent advances in genomic and molecular techniques coupled with the development of robust analytical methods have accelerated progress in comprehending these intractable lipid polymers. Gene products characterized in the wax, cutin and suberin pathways include a subset of HXXXD/BAHD family enzymes that catalyze acyl transfer reactions between CoA-activated hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and hydroxylated aliphatics. This review highlights our current understanding of HXXXD/BAHD acyltransferases in extracellular lipid biosynthesis and discusses the chemical, ultrastructural and physiological ramifications of impairing the expression of BAHD acyltransferase-encoding genes related to cutin and suberin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Molina
- Department of Biology, Essar Convergence Centre, Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 2G4, Canada,
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18
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Kong J, Lau S, Jürgens G. Twin plants from supernumerary egg cells in Arabidopsis. Curr Biol 2015; 25:225-30. [PMID: 25544612 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction of flowering plants is distinguished by double fertilization—the two sperm cells delivered by a pollen tube fuse with the two gametic cells of the female gametophyte, the egg and the central cell—inside the ovule to give rise to the embryo and the nutritive endosperm, respectively. The pollen tube is attracted by nongametic synergid cells, and how these two cells of the female gametophyte are specified is currently unclear. Here, we show that ALTERED MERISTEM PROGRAM 1 (AMP1), encoding a protein associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, is required for synergid cell fate during Arabidopsis female gametophyte development. Loss of AMP1 function leads to supernumerary egg cells at the expense of synergids, enabling the generation of dizygotic twins. However, if twin embryos are formed, endosperm formation is prevented, eventually resulting in ovule abortion. The latter can be overcome by the delivery of supernumerary sperm cells in tetraspore (tes) pollen, enabling the formation of twin plants. Thus, both primary and supernumerary egg cells are fully functional in amp1 mutant plants. Sporophytic AMP1 expression is sufficient to prevent cell-fate change of synergids, indicating that one or more AMP1-dependent mobile signals from outside the female gametophyte can contribute to its patterning, in addition to the previously reported lateral inhibition between gametophytic cells. Our results provide insight into the mechanism of synergid fate specification and emphasize the importance of specifying only one egg cell within the female gametophyte to ensure central-cell fertilization by the second sperm cell.
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19
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Abstract
Sperm cells of flowering plants are non-motile and thus require transportation to the egg apparatus via the pollen tube to execute double fertilization. During its journey, the pollen tube interacts with various sporophytic cell types that support its growth and guide it towards the surface of the ovule. The final steps of tube guidance and sperm delivery are controlled by the cells of the female gametophyte. During fertilization, cell-cell communication events take place to achieve and maximize reproductive success. Additional layers of crosstalk exist, including self-recognition and specialized processes to prevent self-fertilization and consequent inbreeding. In this review, we focus on intercellular communication between the pollen grain/pollen tube including the sperm cells with the various sporophytic maternal tissues and the cells of the female gametophyte. Polymorphic-secreted peptides and small proteins, especially those belonging to various subclasses of small cysteine-rich proteins (CRPs), reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NO signaling, and the second messenger Ca(2+), play center stage in most of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dresselhaus
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraβe 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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20
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Leshem Y, Johnson C, Sundaresan V. Pollen tube entry into the synergid cell of Arabidopsis is observed at a site distinct from the filiform apparatus. Plant Reprod 2013; 26:93-9. [PMID: 23686222 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-013-0211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In higher plants, the double-fertilization process begins with the successful delivery of two sperm cells to the female gametophyte. The sperms cells are carried by a pollen tube that upon arrival at the micropylar end of the female gametophyte, bursts, and discharges its content into one of two specialized cells called the synergid cells. At their micropylar ends, both synergid cells form a thickened cell wall with a unique structure called the filiform apparatus. The filiform apparatus is believed to play a major role in pollen tube guidance and reception. It has also been assumed that the pollen tube enters the receptive synergid cell through the filiform apparatus. Here, we show that in Arabidopsis ovules, the arriving pollen tube appears to grow beyond the filiform apparatus to enter the synergid cell at a more distant site, where the tube bursts to release its contents. Thus, fertilization in Arabidopsis might involve two spatially and temporally separable stages, recognition and entry, with the latter apparently not requiring the filiform apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehoram Leshem
- Departments of Plant Biology and Plant Sciences, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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21
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Martin MV, Fiol DF, Sundaresan V, Zabaleta EJ, Pagnussat GC. oiwa, a female gametophytic mutant impaired in a mitochondrial manganese-superoxide dismutase, reveals crucial roles for reactive oxygen species during embryo sac development and fertilization in Arabidopsis. Plant Cell 2013; 25:1573-91. [PMID: 23653473 PMCID: PMC3694693 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.113.109306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can function as signaling molecules, regulating key aspects of plant development, or as toxic compounds leading to oxidative damage. In this article, we show that the regulation of ROS production during megagametogenesis is largely dependent on MSD1, a mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase. Wild-type mature embryo sacs show ROS exclusively in the central cell, which appears to be the main source of ROS before pollination. Accordingly, MSD1 shows a complementary expression pattern. MSD1 expression is elevated in the egg apparatus at maturity but is downregulated in the central cell. The oiwa mutants are characterized by high levels of ROS detectable in both the central cell and the micropylar cells. Remarkably, egg apparatus cells in oiwa show central cell features, indicating that high levels of ROS result in the expression of central cell characteristic genes. Notably, ROS are detected in synergid cells after pollination. This ROS burst depends on stigma pollination but precedes fertilization, suggesting that embryo sacs sense the imminent arrival of pollen tubes and respond by generating an oxidative environment. Altogether, we show that ROS play a crucial role during female gametogenesis and fertilization. MSD1 activity seems critical for maintaining ROS localization and important for embryo sac patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Martin
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas IIB-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Diego Fernando Fiol
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas IIB-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Venkatesan Sundaresan
- Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Eduardo Julián Zabaleta
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas IIB-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Carolina Pagnussat
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas IIB-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Address correspondence to
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22
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Wuest SE, Schmid MW, Grossniklaus U. Cell-specific expression profiling of rare cell types as exemplified by its impact on our understanding of female gametophyte development. Curr Opin Plant Biol 2013; 16:41-9. [PMID: 23276786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2012.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Expression profiling of single cells can yield insights into cell specification, cellular differentiation processes, and cell type-specific responses to environmental stimuli. Recent work has established excellent tools to perform genome-wide expression studies of individual cell types, even if the cells of interest occur at low frequency within an organ. We review the advances and impact of gene expression studies of rare cell types, as exemplified by recently gained insights into the development and function of the angiosperm female gametophyte. The detailed transcriptional characterization of different stages during female gametophyte development has significantly helped to improve our understanding of cellular specification or cell-cell communication processes. Next-generation sequencing approaches--used increasingly for expression profiling--will now allow for comparative approaches that focus on agriculturally, ecologically or evolutionarily relevant aspects of plant reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E Wuest
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies & Zürich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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23
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Ngo QA, Baroux C, Guthörl D, Mozerov P, Collinge MA, Sundaresan V, Grossniklaus U. The Armadillo repeat gene ZAK IXIK promotes Arabidopsis early embryo and endosperm development through a distinctive gametophytic maternal effect. Plant Cell 2012; 24:4026-43. [PMID: 23064319 PMCID: PMC3517234 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.112.102384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The proper balance of parental genomic contributions to the fertilized embryo and endosperm is essential for their normal growth and development. The characterization of many gametophytic maternal effect (GME) mutants affecting seed development indicates that there are certain classes of genes with a predominant maternal contribution. We present a detailed analysis of the GME mutant zak ixik (zix), which displays delayed and arrested growth at the earliest stages of embryo and endosperm development. ZIX encodes an Armadillo repeat (Arm) protein highly conserved across eukaryotes. Expression studies revealed that ZIX manifests a GME through preferential maternal expression in the early embryo and endosperm. This parent-of-origin-dependent expression is regulated by neither the histone and DNA methylation nor the DNA demethylation pathways known to regulate some other GME mutants. The ZIX protein is localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells in reproductive tissues and actively dividing root zones. The maternal ZIX allele is required for the maternal expression of miniseed3. Collectively, our results reveal a reproductive function of plant Arm proteins in promoting early seed growth, which is achieved through a distinct GME of ZIX that involves mechanisms for maternal allele-specific expression that are independent of the well-established pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quy A. Ngo
- Institute of Plant Biology and Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
- Section of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
- Address correspondence to
| | - Celia Baroux
- Institute of Plant Biology and Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Guthörl
- Institute of Plant Biology and Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Mozerov
- Institute of Plant Biology and Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Margaret A. Collinge
- Institute of Plant Biology and Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Venkatesan Sundaresan
- Section of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Ueli Grossniklaus
- Institute of Plant Biology and Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
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