The gametophytic expression of the gene for sensor histidine kinase CKI1 is essential for embryo sac formation in Arabidopsis.
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2003 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | Book of Abstracts, Plant reproduction: from Mendel to molecular biology. |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Genetics and molecular biology |
| Keywords | female gametophyte development; two-component signaling; sensor histidine kinase; early seed development; genomic imprinting |
| Description | Embryo sac formation represents a fundamental step in plant sexual reproduction. However, the key players driving female gametophyte development remain elusive. We show that mutants in CKI1, a gene coding for a putative receptor histidine kinase, prematurely terminate female gametophyte development after completion of all mitotic divisions. The CKI1 expression pattern indicates that a chain of molecular and sub-cellular events resulting in the phenotype manifestation can be triggered concomitantly with completion of meiotic division yielding a functional megaspore. Furthermore, the expression of paternally transmitted CKI early after fertilization suggests a role for CKI1 in early endosperm development as well as the need to reconsider the concept of genome-wide male imprinting during early seed development. The results provide the first evidence that gametophytic expression of a sensor-like molecule is essential for specific processes during megagametogenesis. |
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