Molecular evolution of a reproductive barrier in maize and related species

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 3, 2024

Abstract Three cross-incompatibility loci each control a distinct reproductive barrier in both domesticated maize ( Zea mays ssp. ) and its wild teosinte relatives. These three loci, Teosinte crossing barrier1 Tcb1 ), Gametophytic factor1 Ga1 Ga2 , play key role preventing hybridization between incompatible populations are proposed to maintain the subspecies. Each locus encodes silk-active matching pollen-active pectin methylesterase (PMEs). To investigate diversity molecular evolution of these gametophytic factor we identified existing improved models responsible genes new genome assembly line P8860 that contains active versions all loci. We then examined fifty-two assembled genomes from seventeen species classify haplotype identify sites under diversifying selection during genes. show oldest was duplicated form at least 12 million years ago. youngest locus, arose as duplicate before or around time diversification genus. find evidence positive functional an site pollen-expressed PME predicted surface silk- PMEs. The most common allele is conserved ga1 ga1-Off which specific containing full-length gene copies, non-coding due stop codons 610 thousand 1.5 old. associated with likely generates 24-nt siRNAs developing pollen-producing tissue, map alleles. In previously-published crosses, reduced function typically dominant alleles for barriers. Taken together, this seems be example type epigenetic trans-homolog silencing known paramutation functioning controlling barrier.

Language: Английский

Evolution of NAC transcription factors from early land plants to domesticated crops

Plant and Cell Physiology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 12, 2024

Abstract NAC [NO APICAL MERISTEM (NAM), ARABIDOPSIS TRANSCRIPTION ACTIVATOR FACTOR 1/2 (ATAF1/2), and CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON (CUC2)] transcription factors are key regulators of plant growth, development, stress responses but were also crucial players during land adaptation crop domestication. Using representative members green algae, bryophytes, lycophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms, we expanded the evolutionary history to unveil relationships among this gene family. We found a massive increase in number from algae lycophytes an even larger flowering plants. Many clades arose later evolution since eudicot- monocot-specific clades. Cis-elements analysis promoters showed presence abiotic biotic as well hormonal response elements, which indicate ancestral function factor genes environmental stimuli development. At transcriptional level, expression was low or absent male reproduction, particularly mature pollen, across kingdom. identified with conserved patterns heat Marchantia polymorpha Oryza sativa. Our study provides further evidence that mechanisms associated development emerged early still plants domesticated crops.

Language: Английский