Abstract
BackgroundOrgan shape and size covariation (allometry) factors are essential concepts for the study of evolution and development. Although ample research has been conducted on organ shape and size, little research has considered the correlated variation of these two traits and quantitatively measured the variation in a common framework. The genetic basis of allometry variation in a single organ or among different organs is also relatively unknown.ResultsA principal component analysis (PCA) of organ landmarks and outlines was conducted and used to quantitatively capture shape and size variation in leaves and petals of multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) populations of Arabidopsis thaliana. The PCA indicated that size variation was a major component of allometry variation and revealed negatively correlated changes in leaf and petal size. After quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, five QTLs for the fourth leaf, 11 QTLs for the seventh leaf, and 12 QTLs for petal size and shape were identified. These QTLs were not identical to those previously identified, with the exception of the ER locus. The allometry model was also used to measure the leaf and petal allometry covariation to investigate the evolution and genetic coordination between homologous organs. In total, 12 QTLs were identified in association with the fourth leaf and petal allometry covariation, and eight QTLs were identified to be associated with the seventh leaf and petal allometry covariation. In these QTL confidence regions, there were important genes associated with cell proliferation and expansion with alleles unique to the maximal effects accession. In addition, the QTLs associated with life-history traits, such as days to bolting, stem length, and rosette leaf number, which were highly coordinated with climate change and local adaption, were QTL mapped and showed an overlap with leaf and petal allometry, which explained the genetic basis for their correlation.ConclusionsThis study explored the genetic basis for leaf and petal allometry and their interaction, which may provide important information for investigating the correlated variation and evolution of organ shape and size in Arabidopsis.
Highlights
Organ shape and size covariation factors are essential concepts for the study of evolution and development
We investigated the genetic basis of natural allometry variation in leaves and petals using a set of Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of Arabidopsis thaliana that were derived from multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) lines, which were constructed by 19 founder accessions [14]
Allometry models of leaves and petals in MAGIC lines To detect the shape and size variation of leaves and petals within Arabidopsis thaliana, an allometric method based on a principal component analysis (PCA) of organ landmarks and outlines was used to quantify this trait
Summary
Organ shape and size covariation (allometry) factors are essential concepts for the study of evolution and development. The genetic basis of allometry variation in a single organ or among different organs is relatively unknown. Allometry refers to the size-related changes in morphological traits and can be used to describe the correlated variation in shape and size that can occur within one type of organ or can involve the relative proportions of different organs [1,2,3]. The homologous organs, leaves and petals, may share a basic developmental control machinery [4,5,6], and the correlations between their organ size and shape are possibly regulated by some allometry factors. The genetic and evolutionary basis for allometric variation is integral to our understanding of plant development.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
