Abstract
In higher plants, the outermost cell layer (L1) of the shoot apex gives rise to the epidermis of shoot organs. Our previous study demonstrated that an 8-bp motif named the L1 box functions as a cis-regulatory element for L1-specific gene expression in the shoot system of Arabidopsis: We show here that PROTODERMAL FACTOR2 (PDF2), a member of the HD-GL2 class of homeobox genes, is expressed exclusively in the L1 of shoot meristems and that recombinant PDF2 protein specifically binds to the L1 box in vitro. Although knockout mutants of PDF2 and ATML1, another L1-specific HD-GL2 class gene sharing the highest homology with PDF2, display normal shoot development, the double mutant results in severe defects in shoot epidermal cell differentiation. This suggests that PDF2 and ATML1 are functionally interchangeable and play a critical role in maintaining the identity of L1 cells, possibly by interacting with their L1 box and those of downstream target-gene promoters.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
