Arabidopsis Cys2/His2 zinc-finger protein MAZ1 is essential for intine formation and exine pattern

Tianqi Lyu; Ziwei Hu; Weimiao Liu; Jiashu Cao

doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.050

Arabidopsis Cys₂/His₂ zinc-finger protein MAZ1 is essential for intine formation and exine pattern

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2019 Oct 15;518(2):299-305. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.050. Epub 2019 Aug 16.

Authors

Tianqi Lyu¹, Ziwei Hu², Weimiao Liu³, Jiashu Cao⁴

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, 310058, China. Electronic address: 11716015@zju.edu.cn.
² Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, 310058, China. Electronic address: 11416057@zju.edu.cn.
³ Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, 310058, China. Electronic address: liuweimiao1123@163.com.
⁴ Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Vegetable Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Hangzhou, 310058, China. Electronic address: jshcao@zju.edu.cn.

PMID: 31427085
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.050

Abstract

Cys₂/His₂ zinc-finger protein (C2H2-ZFP) is widely involved in the reproductive development of plants, but its role in pollen development is still elusive. Here, we identified a pollen-related C2H2-ZFP gene named as MALE FERTILITY-ASSOCIATED ZINC FINGER PROTEIN 1 (MAZ1), which was first isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana. MAZ1 showed a preferential expression pattern in early anther development. Its mutation resulted in aberrant primexine deposition at the tetrad stage, followed by a defective multiple-layer pattern of exine with irregular baculum and no tectum. Furthermore, microspore development was arrested, and no intine layer was formed. These developmental defects led to fertility reduction and pollen abortion. This study reveals the essential role of MAZ1 in pollen wall development.

Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana; Cys(2)/His(2) zinc-finger protein; Exine; Intine; MALE FERTILITY-ASSOCIATED ZINC FINGER PROTEIN 1.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics*
Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / genetics*
Pollen / genetics*
Pollen / growth & development

Substances

Arabidopsis Proteins