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The homeodomain transcription factor Ta HDZ ipI‐2 from wheat regulates frost tolerance, flowering time and spike development in transgenic barley
Author(s) -
Kovalchuk Nataliya,
Chew William,
Sornaraj Pradeep,
Borisjuk Nikolai,
Yang Nannan,
Singh Rohan,
Bazanova Natalia,
Shavrukov Yuri,
Guendel Andre,
Munz Eberhard,
Borisjuk Ljudmilla,
Langridge Peter,
Hrmova Maria,
Lopato Sergiy
Publication year - 2016
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/nph.13919
Subject(s) - endosperm , biology , transgene , transcription factor , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , gene expression , botany , genetics
Summary Homeodomain leucine zipper class I ( HD ‐Zip I) transcription factors ( TF s) play key roles in the regulation of plant growth and development under stresses. Functions of the Ta HDZ ipI‐2 gene isolated from the endosperm of developing wheat grain were revealed. Molecular characterization of Ta HDZ ipI‐2 protein included studies of its dimerisation, protein– DNA interactions and gene activation properties using pull‐down assays, in‐yeast methods and transient expression assays in wheat cells. The analysis of Ta HDZ ipI‐2 gene functions was performed using transgenic barley plants. It included comparison of developmental phenotypes, yield components, grain quality, frost tolerance and the levels of expression of potential target genes in transgenic and control plants. Transgenic Ta HDZ ipI‐2 lines showed characteristic phenotypic features that included reduced growth rates, reduced biomass, early flowering, light‐coloured leaves and narrowly elongated spikes. Transgenic lines produced 25–40% more seeds per spike than control plants, but with 50–60% smaller grain size. In vivo lipid imaging exposed changes in the distribution of lipids between the embryo and endosperm in transgenic seeds. Transgenic lines were significantly more tolerant to frost than control plants. Our data suggest the role of Ta HDZ ipI‐2 in controlling several key processes underlying frost tolerance, transition to flowering and spike development.