Abstract
RNA editing and cytoplasmic male sterility are two important phenomena associated with higher plant mitochondria. We recently have shown a potential function of RNA editing in CMS development. The frequency of atp6 RNA editing was specifically reduced in anthers of male-sterile Sorghum bicolor, which increased in frequency in partially restored progeny. Here we present data that show that the loss of RNA editing capability also occurs in a second nuclear background that allows the expression of male sterility. Loss of RNA editing thus appears to be associated with unique combinations of male-sterile cytoplasm and non-restoring nuclear backgrounds. In addition, the reduction of RNA editing affects both gametophytic and sporophytic anther cell-types but not other floral tissues. An analysis of F2 plants exhibiting different levels of fertility indicates a co-segregation of fertility restoration and atp6 RNA editing. The atp6 transcript abundance is similar in seedlings and anthers of male-sterile, partially restored, and male-fertile lines and thus is not associated with loss of atp6 RNA editing in anthers. A model for RNA editing and male sterility based on the data available is presented. Functional correlations with other CMS systems are also discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 19 February / 7 April 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Howad, W., Tang, H., Pring, D. et al. Nuclear genes from Tx CMS maintainer lines are unable to maintain atp6 RNA editing in any anther cell-type in the Sorghum bicolor A3 cytoplasm. Curr Genet 36, 62–68 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002940050473
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002940050473