Journal
PLANT SCIENCE
Volume 180, Issue 3, Pages 447-453Publisher
ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2010.12.001
Keywords
MADS-box transcription factors; Plant development; Flowering; Temperature; Epigenetic gene regulation
Categories
Funding
- New South Wales Agricultural Genomics Centre
- CSIRO Division of Plant Industry
- Grains Research and Development Corporation
Ask authors/readers for more resources
MADS-box transcription factors specify plant meristem identity. In doing so, they determine when floral organs are produced at the shoot apex and control the timing of flowering. The transcriptional activity of key MADS-box genes is controlled by temperature in many plants, and this synchronises flowering with changing seasons. Here we review how seasonal temperature variation influences the developmental programme of plants via transcriptional regulation of MADS-box genes. In particular we examine the role of MADS-box genes in regulating the acceleration of flowering by vernalization (prolonged periods of cold), using FLOWERING LOCUS C of Arabidopsis and VERNALIZATION1 of cereals as examples. A potential role for SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE-like genes in controlling winter bud dormancy is also examined, as are potential roles for MADS-box genes in regulating developmental responses to elevated growth temperatures. We conclude that understanding how temperature regulates the transcription of MADS-box genes provides insight into how seasonal fluctuations in temperature influence plant development. Plant breeders may be able to use natural variation in temperature-responsive MADS-box genes to breed future crop varieties. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available