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Harbinger transposon insertion in ethylene signaling gene leads to emergence of new sexual forms in cucurbits.
- Source :
-
Nature communications [Nat Commun] 2024 Jun 07; Vol. 15 (1), pp. 4877. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jun 07. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- In flowering plants, the predominant sexual morph is hermaphroditism, and the emergence of unisexuality is poorly understood. Using Cucumis melo (melon) as a model system, we explore the mechanisms driving sexual forms. We identify a spontaneous mutant exhibiting a transition from bisexual to unisexual male flower, and identify the causal mutation as a Harbinger transposon impairing the expression of Ethylene Insensitive 2 (CmEIN2) gene. Genetics and transcriptomic analysis reveal a dual role of CmEIN2 in both sex determination and fruit shape formation. Upon expression of CmACS11, EIN2 is recruited to repress the expression of the carpel inhibitor, CmWIP1. Subsequently, EIN2 is recruited to mediate stamina inhibition. Following the sex determination phase, EIN2 promotes fruit shape elongation. Genome-wide analysis reveals that Harbinger transposon mobilization is triggered by environmental cues, and integrates preferentially in active chromatin, particularly within promoter regions. Characterization of a large collection of melon germplasm points to active transpositions in the wild, compared to cultivated accessions. Our study underscores the association between chromatin dynamics and the temporal aspects of mobile genetic element insertions, providing valuable insights into plant adaptation and crop genome evolution.<br /> (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Subjects :
- Signal Transduction genetics
Cucumis melo genetics
Cucumis melo metabolism
Fruit genetics
Fruit growth & development
Mutation
DNA Transposable Elements genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Ethylenes metabolism
Plant Proteins genetics
Plant Proteins metabolism
Flowers genetics
Flowers growth & development
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2041-1723
- Volume :
- 15
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nature communications
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38849342
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49250-9