Over-expression of the Arabidopsis AtMYB41 gene alters cell expansion and leaf surface permeability

The Arabidopsis AtMYB41 gene encodes an R2R3-MYB transcription factor whose expression is not detectable under normal growth conditions in any organ or at any developmental stage analysed. It is expressed at high levels in response to drought, ABA and salt treatments, suggesting a possible role in s...

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Published in:The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology 2008-01, Vol.53 (1), p.53-64
Main Authors: Cominelli, Eleonora, Sala, Tea, Calvi, Daniele, Gusmaroli, Giuliana, Tonelli, Chiara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arabidopsis
Arabidopsis - genetics
Arabidopsis - metabolism
Arabidopsis Proteins - metabolism
Arabidopsis thaliana
Biological and medical sciences
Botany
cell expansion
Cell growth
Cell kinetics
Cell Membrane Permeability - genetics
Cell physiology
cuticle
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Mutation
MYB
over-expression
Plant Leaves - genetics
Plant Leaves - metabolism
Plant physiology and development
Plants, Genetically Modified
Stress
Transcription Factors - metabolism
Transgenic plants
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Summary:The Arabidopsis AtMYB41 gene encodes an R2R3-MYB transcription factor whose expression is not detectable under normal growth conditions in any organ or at any developmental stage analysed. It is expressed at high levels in response to drought, ABA and salt treatments, suggesting a possible role in stress responses. Transgenic lines over-expressing this transcription factor showed a pleiotropic phenotype similar to that exhibited by some mutants that affect cuticle biosynthesis. This includes a dwarf appearance, dependent on smaller cells with abnormal morphology, enhanced sensitivity to desiccation, and enhanced permeability of leaf surfaces, suggesting discontinuity in the cuticle. The expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and transport, in cell-wall modifications and cell expansion, genes coding for membrane-associated proteins and genes specifically involved in cuticle metabolism was differentially modulated between wild-type and transgenic plants, suggesting a direct or indirect role of AtMYB41 in the regulation of their transcription. Taken together, our results suggest that AtMYB41 is part of a complex network of transcription factors controlling cell expansion and cuticle deposition in response to abiotic stress.
ISSN:0960-7412
1365-313X
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-313x.2007.03310.x