Transcriptional dynamics of gametogenesis in the green seaweed Ulva mutabilis identifies an RWP-RK transcription factor linked to reproduction

BMC Plant Biology

Thomas Wichard¹  Dieter Deforce²  Filip Van Nieuwerburgh²  Sofie D’hondt³  Xiaojie Liu³  Kenny A. Bogaert³  Olivier De Clerck³  Jonas Blomme⁴ 

[1] Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Jena School for Microbial Communication, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany;Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium;Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052, Ghent, Belgium;VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium;

关键词: Ulva;    Green seaweeds;    Reproduction;    Gametogenesis;    Transcriptome;    RWP-RK transcription factor;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12870-021-03361-3

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe molecular mechanism underlying sexual reproduction in land plants is well understood in model plants and is a target for crop improvement. However, unlike land plants, the genetic basis involved in triggering reproduction and gamete formation remains elusive in most seaweeds, which are increasingly viewed as an alternative source of functional food and feedstock for energy applications.ResultsGametogenesis of Ulva mutabilis, a model organism for green seaweeds, was studied. We analyzed transcriptome dynamics at different time points during gametogenesis following induction of reproduction by fragmentation and removal of sporulation inhibitors. Analyses demonstrated that 45% of the genes in the genome were differentially expressed during gametogenesis. We identified several transcription factors that potentially play a key role in the early gametogenesis of Ulva given the function of their homologs in higher plants and microalgae. In particular, the detailed expression pattern of an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor containing an RWP-RK domain suggested a key role during Ulva gametogenesis.ConclusionsTranscriptomic analyses of gametogenesis in the green seaweed Ulva highlight the importance of a conserved RWP-RK transcription factor in the induction of sexual reproduction. The identification of putative master regulators of gametogenesis provides a starting point for further functional characterization.

【 授权许可】

CC BY