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Clues about the ancestral roles of plant MADS-box genes from a functional analysis of moss homologues

  • Cell Biology and Morphogenesis
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Abstract

Classic MIKC-type MADS-box genes (MIKC c genes) are indispensable elements in the genetic programming of pattern formation, including the segmental organisation of angiosperm flowers, in seed plants. Since little is known about the functions of MIKC c genes in non-seed plants, a functional analysis of moss MIKC c homologues was performed using the genetically amenable, simple model plant, Physcomitrella patens. Expression of moss homologues was knocked down using an antisense RNA approach or abolished by generating transformants with gene knockouts. The knocked down (“antisense”) transformants displayed a multifaceted mutant phenotype comprising delayed gametangia formation, diminished sporophyte yield and, in the most extremely affected cases, abnormal sporophyte development and altered leaf morphogenesis. Knocked out transformants were phenotypically normal. Analysis of in situ MIKC c gene expression using transgenic strains containing MIKC c promoter–GUS fusions showed that these genes are generally expressed ubiquitously in vegetative and reproductive tissues. We conclude that MIKC c genes play significant roles in morphogenetic programming of the moss. Functional redundancy characterises some members of the gene group. Our findings provide clues concerning the ancestral roles of some MIKC c genes that may be represented in the genomes of diverse extant plant taxa.

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Abbreviations

AMV:

Alfalfa mosaic virus

CaMV:

Cauliflower mosaic virus

DIG:

Digoxigenin

GUS:

β-Glucuronidase

gDNA:

Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid

HPT:

Hygromycin phosphotransferase

MYA:

Million years ago

NOS-T:

Nopaline synthase transcriptional terminator

NPT:

Neomycin phosphotransferase

Paba:

P-Aminobenzoic acid

RAGE:

Rapid amplification of genomic ends

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) operating grant awarded to N.W. Ashton and NSERC postgraduate scholarships provided to S.D. Singer (PGSA & B) and N.T. Krogan (PGSA). We wish to thank W. Chapco for invaluable advice concerning statistical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada, S4S 0A2

    S. D. Singer & N. W. Ashton

  2. Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA

    N. T. Krogan

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  1. S. D. Singer
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  2. N. T. Krogan
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  3. N. W. Ashton
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Correspondence to N. W. Ashton.

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Communicated by R. Reski.

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Supplementary material S1 to S7

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Singer, S.D., Krogan, N.T. & Ashton, N.W. Clues about the ancestral roles of plant MADS-box genes from a functional analysis of moss homologues. Plant Cell Rep 26, 1155–1169 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-007-0312-0

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