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A phytochrome-dependent embryonic factor modulates gibberellin responses in the embryo and micropylar endosperm of Datura ferox seeds

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Abstract

The promotion of germination by phytochrome is associated with extensive changes both in the embryo and in the micropylar region of the endosperm (ME) of Datura ferox seeds. These changes require de novo gibberellins (GAs) biosynthesis in the embryo, the site where the light stimulus is perceived. GAs stimulate embryo growth potential and move to ME, promoting the expression of genes related with weakening. We report here that, in addition, phytochrome stimulates the sensitivity of the seeds to gibberellic acid (GA). The phytochrome-induced signal is produced in the embryo and enhances the stimulus by GA of embryo growth potential (EGP) and the promotion of the expression of proteins thought to participate in ME weakening: endo-β-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78), endo-β-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.25) and expansin. Our results suggest that the cytokinins may be a component of the embryonic signal. Phytochrome also modulates DfPHOR and DfMYB transcript levels in ME. These genes show a high identity with components of GAs signaling identified in other species. Expression of DfPHOR in the ME is apparently regulated by phytochrome through the supply of GAs from the embryo to ME, whereas DfMYB expression is regulated by an embryonic factor with some of the characteristics of the one that modulates seed sensitivity to GAs.

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Abbreviations

EGP:

Embryo growth potential

FR:

Far-red

GA:

Gibberellic acid

GAs:

Gibberellins

ME:

Micropylar region of the endosperm

R:

Red

ZEA:

Zeatin

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Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Roberto Benech-Arnold for the critical reading of the manuscript and Ms. Gabriela Auge for her most valuable technical help. We also appreciate the hospitality of the Fundación Leloir for allowing us the use of laboratory facilities and thank Dr Roberto Staneloni for his valuable advice and support. This work was supported by the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (grant no. 09586 to R.A.S.) and the University of Buenos Aires (grant no. G073 and G6091 to R.A.S.). M.V.A. was supported by a fellowship from the University of Buenos Aires.

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  1. IFEVA. Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires and CONICET, Avenida San Martín 4453, 1417, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    María Verónica Arana, Lucila Cecilia de Miguel & Rodolfo Augusto Sánchez

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  1. María Verónica Arana
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  2. Lucila Cecilia de Miguel
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  3. Rodolfo Augusto Sánchez
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Correspondence to Rodolfo Augusto Sánchez.

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Arana, M.V., de Miguel, L.C. & Sánchez, R.A. A phytochrome-dependent embryonic factor modulates gibberellin responses in the embryo and micropylar endosperm of Datura ferox seeds. Planta 223, 847–857 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-005-0134-7

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