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Abstract Detail


Developmental and Structural Section

Pabon Mora, Natalia [1], Sharma, Bharti [2], Kramer, Elena [3], Litt, Amy [4].

Functional analyses of the AP1/FUL homolog of Aquilegia uncovers novel roles in leaf morphogenesis.

The APETALA1/ FRUITFULL (AP1/FUL) MADS-box transcription factors have been implicated in multiple processes, from phase transition and floral organ identity to fruit development. Like other MADS-box genes, the AP1/FUL gene lineage underwent several duplication events during angiosperm evolution. One such duplication correlates with the origin of the core eudicots, resulting in the euAP1 and the euFUL clades. Together, euAP1 and euFUL genes are implicated in proper floral meristem identity and axillary meristem repression. Independent of one another, euAP1 genes play roles in sepal and, occasionally, petal identity,whereas, euFUL genes control the transition to the reproductive meristem, cauline leaf growth, and fruit development. Our study focuses on the functional evolution of this key family of developmental regulators, in particular the role of the core eudicot gene duplication on the functional diversification of this gene lineage. In particular we are investigating the function of the pre-duplication (FUL-like genes) in Papaveraceae and Ranunculaceae. Our studies in poppies point to the occurrence of sub-functionalization after the core-eudicot duplication event. In order to gain a better understanding of the role of pre-duplication genes, we investigated the expression and function of the Aquilegia (Ranunculaceae)FUL-like homolog. AqFL1 is expressed broadly in leaves,flowers and fruits. Down-regulation of AqFL1using virus induced gene silencing resulted in plants with increased branching, shorter inflorescences, and dramatic changes in leaf shape and complexity. Surprisingly AqFL1 does not appear to play a distinct role in flower or fruit development. These results are different from previous function seported in poppies and highlight the significant variation in the role of non-core-eudicot FUL-like genes. Data are discussed in the light of FUL-like protein interactions and local FUL-like gene duplications and losses within Ranunculales.

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1 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
2 - Harvard University, Biolabs 1119 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
3 - Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
4 - New York Botanical Garden, 200th St And Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458, USA

Keywords:
APETALA1
FRUITFULL
floral development
leaf development
Ranunculales.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 40
Location: Union D/Hyatt
Date: Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
Time: 4:45 PM
Number: 40013
Abstract ID:332


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