Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Lopez, Christopher [1], Malcomber, Simon [2].

Evolution of the basic Helix-Loop-Helix BARREN STALK1 INTERACTING PROTEIN2 lineage in flowering plants.

The phytohormone auxin is essential for the initiation and growth of axillary meristems (AMs) during both vegetative and reproductive growth. Several genes have been identified that regulate auxin transport during plant growth including the orthologous basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) proteins maize BARREN STALK1 and rice LAX PANICLE1. Mutant analyses indicate that both proteins are essential for the formation of AMs during vegetative development and all lateral structures during inflorescence development. Yeast 2-hybrid analyses reveal that maize BA1 interacts with another bHLH protein, BARREN STALK1 INTERACTING PROTEIN2 (BIP2). Bayesian phylogenetic analyses estimate a well-supported BIP2 clade comprised of monocot and eudicot sequences suggesting an origin for the lineage at least near the base of flowering plants, and potentially deeper within the vascular plant clade. Comparative genomic analyses reveal a high degree of synteny among grass BIP2 chromosomal regions, but only limited synteny between monocots and eudicots, and within sampled eudicot species. RNA in situ hybridization analyses of rice BIP2 shows a pattern of localized expression throughout developing meristems that overlaps with the arc-like pattern of LAX1 expression above the lateral meristems. These preliminary data suggest the two proteins may function together in the regulation of auxin transport during plant growth.

Broader Impacts:

1 -
2 - California State University, Long Beach, Biology, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA, 90840, USA

Keywords:
BARREN STALK 1
BARREN INTERACTING PROTEIN2
Evo-Devo
LAX1
BA1
basic Helix-Loop-Helix.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEV008
Abstract ID:856