Direct links between the vernalization response and other key traits of cereal crops

Nat Commun. 2015 Jan 6:6:5882. doi: 10.1038/ncomms6882.

Abstract

Transcription of the vernalization1 gene (VRN1) is induced by prolonged cold (vernalization) to trigger flowering of cereal crops, such as wheat and barley. VRN1 encodes a MADS box transcription factor that promotes flowering by regulating the expression of other genes. Here we use transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) to identify direct targets of VRN1. Over 500 genomic regions were identified as potential VRN1-binding targets by ChIP-seq. VRN1 binds the promoter of flowering locus T-like 1, a promoter of flowering in vernalized plants. VRN1 also targets vernalization2 and ODDSOC2, repressors of flowering that are downregulated in vernalized plants. RNA-seq identified additional VRN1 targets that might play roles in triggering flowering. Other targets of VRN1 include genes that play central roles in low-temperature-induced freezing tolerance, spike architecture and hormone metabolism. This provides evidence for direct regulatory links between the vernalization response pathway and other important traits in cereal crops.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acclimatization / genetics
  • Acclimatization / physiology
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism
  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Western
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Edible Grain / growth & development*
  • Flowers / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / physiology
  • Hordeum
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Plant Growth Regulators / metabolism
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • FT protein, Arabidopsis
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • Repressor Proteins
  • VRN1 protein, Arabidopsis

Associated data

  • SRA/SRP041049
  • SRA/SRP045121