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Localisation pattern of homogalacturonan and arabinogalactan proteins in developing ovules of the gymnosperm plant Larix decidua Mill

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Abstract

We have identified and characterised the temporal and spatial distribution of the homogalacturonan (HG) and arabinogalactan proteins (AGP) epitopes that are recognised by the antibodies JIM5, JIM7, LM2, JIM4, JIM8 and JIM13 during ovule differentiation in Larix decidua Mill. The results obtained clearly show differences in the pattern of localisation of specific HG epitopes between generative and somatic cells of the ovule. Immunocytochemical studies revealed that the presence of low-esterified HG is characteristic only of the wall of megasporocyte and megaspores. In maturing female gametophytes, highly esterified HG was the main form present, and the central vacuole of free nuclear gametophytes was particularly rich in this category of HG. This pool will probably be used in cell wall building during cellularisation. The selective labelling obtained with AGP antibodies indicates that some AGPs can be used as markers for gametophytic and sporophytic cells differentiation. Our results demonstrated that the AGPs recognised by JIM4 may constitute molecules determining changes in ovule cell development programs. Just after the end of meiosis, the signal detected with JIM4 labelling appeared only in functional and degenerating megaspores. This suggests that the antigens bound by JIM4 are involved in the initiation of female gametogenesis in L. decidua. Moreover, the analysis of AGPs distribution showed that differentiation of the nucellus cells occurs in the very young ovule stage before megasporogenesis. Throughout the period of ovule development, the pattern of localisation of the studied AGPs was different both in tapetum cells surrounding the gametophyte and in nucellus cells. Changes in the distribution of AGPs were also observed in the nucellus of the mature ovule, and they could represent an indicator of tissue arrangement to interact with the growing pollen tube. The possible role of AGPs in fertilisation is also discussed.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank M. Świdziński for technical assistance. This work was supported by European Social Fund and Kujawsko-Pomorski Province Council project “Stypendia dla doktorantów 2008/2009—ZPORR” and Nicolaus Copernicus University Grant [304-B].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cell Biology, Institute of General and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology and Earth Science, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100, Toruń, Gagarina 9, Poland

    Katarzyna Rafińska & Elżbieta Bednarska

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  1. Katarzyna Rafińska
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  2. Elżbieta Bednarska
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Correspondence to Katarzyna Rafińska.

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Communicated by Scott Russell.

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Supplementary Figure S1

. A-B Localisation of callose. C-D Controls. (A) The wall of the megasporocyte is devoid of callose. (B) Positive control. Callose is present in cells walls of the ovuliferous scale. (B)C-D Controls for antibodies (C) Negative control showing no labelling in the ovule when first antibody was omitted. (D) Negative immunodepletion control in which JIM13 antibody was preincubated with inhibitor (gum arabic) showing no labelling of the ovule. MMC – megasporocyte, T – tapetum, SC – ovuliferous scale, G – gametophyte, FN – free nucleus, N – nucellus, V-vacuole. Bar 10 μm (TIFF 1019 kb)

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Rafińska, K., Bednarska, E. Localisation pattern of homogalacturonan and arabinogalactan proteins in developing ovules of the gymnosperm plant Larix decidua Mill. Sex Plant Reprod 24, 75–87 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00497-010-0154-8

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