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Microgenomic analysis reveals cell type‐specific gene expression patterns between ray and fusiform initials within the cambial meristem of Populus
Author(s) -
Goué Nadia,
LesageDescauses MarieClaude,
Mellerowicz Ewa J.,
Magel Elisabeth,
Label Philippe,
Sundberg Björn
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02556.x
Subject(s) - meristem , biology , vascular cambium , cambium , vascular tissue , botany , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , populus trichocarpa , cell wall , cell type , transcriptome , xylem , gene expression , cell , genetics , genome
Summary• The vascular cambium is the meristem in trees that produce wood. This meristem consists of two types of neighbouring initials: fusiform cambial cells (FCCs), which give rise to the axial cell system (i.e. fibres and vessel elements), and ray cambial cells (RCCs), which give rise to rays. There is little molecular information on the mechanisms whereby the differing characteristics of these neighbouring cells are maintained. • A microgenomic approach was adopted in which the transcriptomes of FCCs and RCCs dissected out from the cambial meristem of poplar ( Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoïdes var. Boelare) were analysed, and a transcriptional database for these two cell types established. • Photosynthesis genes were overrepresented in RCCs, providing molecular support for the presence of photosynthetic systems in rays. Genes that putatively encode transporters (vesicle, lipid and metal ion transporters and aquaporins) in RCCs were also identified. In addition, many cell wall‐related genes showed cell type‐specific expression patterns. Notably, genes involved in pectin metabolism and xyloglucan metabolism were overrepresented in RCCs and FCCs, respectively. • The results demonstrate the use of microgenomics to reveal differences in biological processes in neighbouring meristematic cells, and to identify key genes involved in these processes.