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Mutator transposon activity reprograms the transcriptomes and proteomes of developing maize anthers
Author(s) -
Skibbe David S.,
Fernandes John F.,
Medzihradszky Katalin F.,
Burlingame Alma L.,
Walbot Virginia
Publication year - 2009
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.2009.03901.x
Subject(s) - transcriptome , biology , stamen , ectopic expression , phenotype , proteome , genetics , abiotic stress , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , gene expression , pollen
Summary Despite the high conservation of anther gene expression patterns across maize lines, Mu transposition programmed by transcriptionally active MuDR results in a 25% change in the transcriptome, monitored over 90 h of immature anther development, without altering the morphology, anatomy or pace of development. Most transcriptome changes are stage specific: cases of suppression of normal transcripts and ectopic activation are equally represented. Protein abundance changes were validated for numerous metabolic enzymes, and highlight the increased carbon and reactive oxygen management in Mutator anthers. Active Mutator lines appear to experience chronic stress, on a par with abiotic treatments that stimulate early flowering. Despite the diversity of acclimation responses, anther development progresses normally, in contrast to male‐sterile mutants that disrupt anther cell fate or function completely, and cause fewer transcriptome changes. The early flowering phenotype ultimately confers an advantage in Mu element transmission.