The maize INDETERMINATE1 flowering time regulator defines a highly conserved zinc finger protein family in higher plants
Author Information
Author(s): Colasanti Joseph, Tremblay Reynald, Wong Ada YM, Coneva Viktoriya, Kozaki Akiko, Mable Barbara K
Primary Institution: Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph
Hypothesis
The maize INDETERMINATE1 gene, ID1, is a key regulator of the transition to flowering and may have unique functions compared to other members of its gene family.
Conclusion
The IDD zinc finger family is highly conserved among both monocots and dicots, with ID1 showing a unique expression pattern in immature leaves.
Supporting Evidence
- ID1 is the only gene known to have a major role in controlling the transition to flowering in maize.
- Phylogenetic comparisons show that ID1 and its putative orthologs from rice and sorghum form a distinct group.
- ID1 mRNA is expressed exclusively in immature leaves, unlike other maize IDD genes.
Takeaway
This study looks at a gene in maize that helps the plant know when to flower, and it finds that this gene is similar in other plants too.
Methodology
Comparative genomic analysis of IDD genes from maize, rice, and Arabidopsis, including sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis.
Limitations
The study relies on incomplete genomic data for maize and does not explore the functions of all IDD genes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website