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Identification and characterization of Argonaute gene family and meiosis‐enriched Argonaute during sporogenesis in maize
Author(s) -
Zhai Lihong,
Sun Wei,
Zhang Ke,
Jia Haitao,
Liu Lei,
Liu Zhijie,
Teng Feng,
Zhang Zuxin
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of integrative plant biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.734
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1744-7909
pISSN - 1672-9072
DOI - 10.1111/jipb.12205
Subject(s) - argonaute , biology , tapetum , gene , genetics , meiosis , ectopic expression , gene expression , complementary dna , microbiology and biotechnology , rna interference , rna , microspore , stamen , botany , pollen
Argonaute (AGO) proteins play a key role in regulation of gene expression through small RNA‐directed RNA cleavage and translational repression, and are essential for multiple developmental processes. In the present study, 17 AGO genes of maize ( Zea mays L ., ZmAGOs) were identified using a Hidden Markov Model and validated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends assay. Subsequently, quantitative PCR revealed that expressions of these genes were higher in reproductive than in vegetative tissues. AGOs presented five temporal and spatial expression patterns, which were likely modulated by DNA methylation, 5′‐untranslated exons and microRNA‐mediated feedback loops. Intriguingly, Z mAGO18b was highly expressed in tassels during meiosis. Furthermore, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence showed that ZmAGO18b was enriched in the tapetum and germ cells in meiotic anthers. We hypothesized that ZmAGOs are highly expressed in reproductive tissues, and that ZmAGO18b is a tapetum and germ cell‐specific member of the AGO family in maize.