Tomato blossoms unfold new insights: key gene TM6 controls flower development
image: sus2 mutant fruits develop succulent stamens. (a) All sus2 mutant plants develop a different number of succulent stamens that fuse to carpels during fruit growth and ripening, and in the same fruit truss mutant and normal fruits can be observed. (b) An upper view of a WT and a mutant fruit where all stamens appear attached as succulent organs. (c) A longitudinal cut of a mutant fruit shows the resemblance between succulent stamens and carpel morphology. (d) Succulent stamens appear in a variable number in mutant fruits, ranging from zero to all stamens transformed into succulent structures. Scale bars represent 1 cm.
Credit: Horticulture Research
A cutting-edge study has shed light on the TOMATO MADS-BOX 6 (TM6) gene's critical influence on the elaborate development of tomato flowers. This research pierces the veil on the genetic underpinnings of floral formation, providing fresh insights into the realm of plant biology.
The genetic tapestry governing flower development in plants is intricate, with MADS-box transcription factors identified as the primary architects of floral morphology. While model species have been extensively studied, the genetic nuances in crops like tomatoes are still largely uncharted. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for unraveling the complexities of flower development and male sterility in tomatoes.
Scientists at the Universidad de Almería have achieved a notable milestone in botanical research with their examination of tomato flower development, as detailed in a study (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae019) published in Horticulture Research on January 16, 2024. The research zeroes in on the TOMATO MADS-BOX 6 (TM6) gene and its influential role in shaping the floral landscape of tomatoes.
The research team characterized a tomato mutant, dubbed "succulent stamens 2" (sus2), which presented pronounced deviations in floral development. The mutants exhibited diminished petal size and stamens that morphed into carpel-like structures, culminating in male sterility due to a lack of viable pollen. Meticulous genetic scrutiny pointed to a single nucleotide deletion in the TM6 gene as the genetic lesion. This gene, a member of the B-class MADS-box gene family, is integral in defining floral organ identity. The mutation in TM6 disrupts not only the identity of petals and stamens but also the transcriptional harmony of other MADS-box genes pivotal to reproductive development. The study's transcriptomic dissection underscored a significant downregulation of pollen development genes and an upregulation of carpel-specific genes, underscoring TM6's critical function in preserving the delicate balance of gene expression vital for proper floral development.
Dr. Juan Capel, the principal investigator at Universidad de Almería, remarked, "Our elucidation of TM6's role in the floral development of tomatoes is a significant stride forward in plant reproductive biology. The potential to modulate this gene paves the way for the generation of male sterile lines, a key element in hybrid seed production. This study not only bolsters our foundational understanding of plants but also holds practical ramifications for agricultural strategies."
The TM6 gene's role in tomato flower development is a breakthrough with broad implications for plant science and agriculture. Its manipulation could lead to the development of male sterile tomato varieties, beneficial for hybrid seed production. This advancement may improve crop yields, resistance, and quality, with the potential to enhance breeding programs and contribute to global food security.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae019
Funding information
This research was supported by research grants PID2019-110833RB-C31 and P20_00324 funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and the Spanish regional government of Junta de Andalucía (2014-2020 FEDER-Andalusia Operational Program), respectively. The authors would like to thank Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (CeiA3) for providing research facilities.
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.