The DNA binding landscape of the maize AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR family

Nat Commun. 2018 Oct 30;9(1):4526. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-06977-6.

Abstract

AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARFs) are plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) that couple perception of the hormone auxin to gene expression programs essential to all land plants. As with many large TF families, a key question is whether individual members determine developmental specificity by binding distinct target genes. We use DAP-seq to generate genome-wide in vitro TF:DNA interaction maps for fourteen maize ARFs from the evolutionarily conserved A and B clades. Comparative analysis reveal a high degree of binding site overlap for ARFs of the same clade, but largely distinct clade A and B binding. Many sites are however co-occupied by ARFs from both clades, suggesting transcriptional coordination for many genes. Among these, we investigate known QTLs and use machine learning to predict the impact of cis-regulatory variation. Overall, large-scale comparative analysis of ARF binding suggests that auxin response specificity may be determined by factors other than individual ARF binding site selection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • Quantitative Trait Loci
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Zea mays / genetics
  • Zea mays / metabolism*

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA