Interaction of Parental-of-Origin Genes Regulates Root Stem Cell Niche Differentiation
CHENG Tianhe, SUN Mengxiang*
The fertilization integrates genetic information from both parents and initiates embryogenesis. The involvement of parental contributions in embryo development has been a hot topic for decades. Available data suggest that both parents play roles in early embryogenesis. However, the specific processes and associated molecular pathways involved in paternal contribution to early embryogenesis and plant development is poorly understood, not to mention how the parental-of-origin genes interaction. Recently, researchers from Wuhan University reveal that TREE1 and its homolog DAZ3 as paternal-of-origin genes can directly inhibit the transcription of a maternal-oforigin gene RKD2 in fertilized egg cell, so that counteract the RKD2 maternal detrimental effects to ensure normal embryogenesis and root organogenesis. These findings shed light on how genetic abnormalities in sperm can have long-lasting paternal effects on specific plant organ differentiation, as well as how interactions between parental-oforigin genes ensure normal embryogenesis. This work also introduces a new concept regarding how plant organogenesis can be influenced by gamete quality.
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