Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Sengupta, Aniket [1], Hileman, Lena [2].

Searching for more: Antirrhinum corolla symmetry genetic network in carpel development.

Bilaterally symmetric flowers are a novel phenotype that has evolved at least 70 times from radially symmetric flowers during flowering plant diversification. The genetic basis of bilaterally symmetric flowers was first elucidated in Antirrhinum majus (order Lamiales). In this species, bilateral symmetry is defined by the interaction of six genes—CYCLOIDEA (CYC), DICHOTOMA (DICH), RADIALIS (RAD), DIVARICATA (DIV), and DIV and RAD interacting factors (DRIF1 and DRIF2). This interaction is called the CYC-based genetic network. The competitive interaction between these genes define mirror image symmetry along the dorso-ventral axis of the flower, particularly in the petal and stamen whorls. CYC and DICH are two recent paralogs of the TCP gene family. Our preliminary data suggests that members of the TCP (CYC)-based genetic network are expressed in the carpels and fruits of many flowering plant species. However, conservation of this network in carpel or fruit development has received limited attention, as research has been largely focused on corolla and stamen development. We find that in Antirrhinum, DICH, RAD, DIV, and DRIF1 and DRIF2 (but not CYC), are expressed across multiple stages of carpel and fruit development. Further, wherever tested (our work and previous studies), the orthologs of Antirrhinum CYC-based genetic network were found to be expressed in the carpels and fruits of species outside Lamiales (Solanales, Brassicales, Rananculales, Piperales, and Zingiberales). This suggests the possibility of the network being conserved, partially or wholly, in gynoecium development in angiosperms, potentially pre-dating the origin of bilateral symmetry in corollas.

1 - Kansas University, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 8009 Haworth Hall, 1200 Sunnyside Ave, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
2 - University Of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

Keywords:
flower symmetry
carpel
CYC
DICH
RAD
DIV
DRIF
Lamiales
Solanales.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 34, Evo-Devo
Location: Sundance 2/Omni Hotel
Date: Wednesday, June 28th, 2017
Time: 9:30 AM
Number: 34007
Abstract ID:191
Candidate for Awards:Katherine Esau Award