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The maize transfer cell‐specific type‐A response regulator ZmTCRR‐1 appears to be involved in intercellular signalling
Author(s) -
Muñiz Luis M.,
Royo Joaquín,
Gómez Elisa,
Barrero Cristina,
Bergareche Diego,
Hueros Gregorio
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the plant journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.058
H-Index - 269
eISSN - 1365-313X
pISSN - 0960-7412
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2006.02848.x
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , transcription factor , biology , regulator , signal transduction , cell type , endosperm , heterologous , transduction (biophysics) , cell signaling , gene , cell , genetics , botany
Summary Response regulators are signal‐transduction molecules present in bacteria, yeast and plants, acting as relays for environmental challenges. This paper reports the characterization of a Zea mays gene, ZmTCRR‐1 , that codes for a member of the type‐A response regulator class of proteins. The gene was found to be expressed exclusively in the endosperm transfer‐cell layer 8–14 days after pollination, when transfer‐cell differentiation is most active. The promoter of ZmTCRR‐1 was strongly transactivated in heterologous systems by the transfer cell‐specific transcription factor ZmMRP‐1. The ZmTCRR‐1 protein was detected not only in the transfer‐cell layer, but also in the conductive tissue deep inside the endosperm, where there is no transcription of the gene. This suggests that two‐component systems might be involved in intercellular signal transmission, in contrast to the generally held belief that these systems are involved only in cell‐autonomous pathways.