NPC plant researchers elucidate how plants produce flowers
In a recent Science publication NPC and CBSG researchers described an important gene that is required for flower development. When this gene and a second gene are mutated, plants stop making flowers, and instead, a massive over-proliferation of inflorescence meristems occurs. This leads to a cauliflower-like appearance, reminiscent to the well-known vegetable.The research group form Gerco Angenent in Wangeningen and colleagues from Spain, Ireland and the US, identified the genes that are regulated by AP1 using chromatin IP-seq and genome wide expression analysis. The characterization of the corresponding gene regulatory networks revealed that in the first few hours when AP1 is active many genes involved in vegative development and floral induction are down regulated, followd by a burst of gene activity, which is needed for the next developmental program: the formation of the flower. The researchers therefore discovered an important hub between the vegetative and floral development.
Publication:
Orchestration of Floral Initiation by APETALA1
Kaufman, K., Wellmer, F., Muino, J.M., Ferrier, T., Wuest, S.E., Kumar, V., Serrana-Mislata, A., Madueno, F., Krajewski, P., Meyerowitz, E.M., Angenent, G.C., Riechmann, J.L.
Science 328, 85-89, 2010
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/328/5974/85