Identification and characterization of Argonaute gene family and meiosis-enriched Argonaute during sporogenesis in maize  

作　　者：Lihong Zhai Wei Sun Ke Zhang Haitao Jia Lei Liu Zhijie Liu Feng Teng Zuxin Zhang 

机构地区：[1]National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement,Huazhong Agricultural University

出　　处：《Journal of Integrative Plant Biology》2014年第11期1042-1052,共11页植物学报（英文版）

基　　金：supported by the National Hi-Tech Program of China (2012AA10A307);the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31071429);the National Science and Technology Major Project (2011ZX08009‐001)

摘　　要：Argonaute（AGO） proteins play a key role in regulation of gene expression through small RNA‐directed RNA cleavage and translational repression, and are essential for multiple developmental processes. In the present study, 17 AGO genes of maize（Zea mays L., ZmAGOs） were identified using a Hidden Markov Model and validated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends assay. Subsequently, quantitative PCR revealed that expressions of these genes were higher in reproductive than in vegetative tissues. AGOs presented five temporal and spatial expression patterns, which were likely modulated by DNA methylation, 50‐untranslated exons and microRNA‐mediated feedback loops. Intriguingly, ZmAGO18 b was highly expressed in tassels during meiosis. Furthermore, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence showed that ZmAResearchGO18b was enriched in the tapetum and germ cells in meiotic anthers. We hypothesized that ZmAGOs are highly expressed in reproductive tissues, and that ZmAGO18 b is a tapetum and germ cell‐specific member of the AGO family in maize.Argonaute（AGO） proteins play a key role in regulation of gene expression through small RNA‐directed RNA cleavage and translational repression, and are essential for multiple developmental processes. In the present study, 17 AGO genes of maize（Zea mays L., ZmAGOs） were identified using a Hidden Markov Model and validated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends assay. Subsequently, quantitative PCR revealed that expressions of these genes were higher in reproductive than in vegetative tissues. AGOs presented five temporal and spatial expression patterns, which were likely modulated by DNA methylation, 50‐untranslated exons and microRNA‐mediated feedback loops. Intriguingly, ZmAGO18 b was highly expressed in tassels during meiosis. Furthermore, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence showed that ZmAResearchGO18b was enriched in the tapetum and germ cells in meiotic anthers. We hypothesized that ZmAGOs are highly expressed in reproductive tissues, and that ZmAGO18 b is a tapetum and germ cell‐specific member of the AGO family in maize.

关 键 词：Anther Argonaute gene expression immunochemistry meiosis 

分 类 号：Q943.2[生物学—植物学]