HD-Zip proteins modify floral structures for self-pollination in tomato

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Wu, Minliang; Bian, Xinxin; Huang, Benben; Du, Yadi; Hu, Shourong; Wang, Yanli; Shen, Jingyuan; Wu, Shuang
• 署名单位: Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University; Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University
• 刊物名称: SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0036-11004
• DOI: 10.1126/science.adl1982
• 发表日期: 2024-04-05
• 页码: 124-130
• 关键词: layer-specific gene; cell-differentiation; arabidopsis; EVOLUTION; expression; epidermis; incompatibility; identification; cleistogamy; position

摘要

Cleistogamy is a type of self-pollination that relies on the formation of a stigma-enclosing floral structure. We identify three homeodomain-leucine zipper IV (HD-Zip IV) genes that coordinately promote the formation of interlocking trichomes at the anther margin to unite neighboring anthers, generating a closed anther cone and cleistogamy (flower morphology necessitating strict self-pollination). These HD-Zip IV genes also control style length by regulating the transition from cell division to endoreduplication. The expression of these HD-Zip IV genes and their downstream gene, Style 2.1, was sequentially modified to shape the cleistogamy morphology during tomato evolution and domestication. Our results provide insights into the molecular basis of cleistogamy in modern tomato and suggest targets for improving fruit set and preventing pollen contamination in genetically modified crops.