Arabidopsis thaliana SURFEIT1‐like genes link mitochondrial function to early plant development and hormonal growth responses

Abstract

SUMMARY Mutations in SURFEIT1 (SURF1) genes affect cytochrome c oxidase (COX) levels in different prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In this work, we report that Arabidopsis thaliana has two genes that potentially encode SURF1 proteins, as a result of a duplication that took place in Brassicaceae. Both genes encode mitochondrial proteins and mutation in AtSURF1a causes embryonic lethality. Mutation in AtSURF1b, instead, causes defects in hypocotyl elongation under growth‐stimulating conditions, such as low light intensity, increased ambient temperature and incubation with glucose. Mutants in AtSURF1b show reduced expression of the auxin reporter DR5:GUS and increased levels of the gibberellin reporter GFP‐RGA, suggesting that auxin and gibberellin homeostasis are affected. In agreement, growth defects caused by AtSURF1b mutation can be overcome by treatment with indole‐3‐acetic acid and gibberellin A3, and also by increasing expression of the auxin biosynthesis gene YUC8 or the transcription factor PIF4, which shows lower abundance in AtSURF1b‐deficient plants. Mutants in AtSURF1b display lower COX levels, higher alternative oxidase and superoxide levels, and increased expression of genes that respond to mitochondrial dysfunction. Decreased hypocotyl growth and DR5:GUS expression can be reversed by treatment with reduced glutathione, suggesting that redox changes, probably related to mitochondrial dysfunction, are responsible for the effect of AtSURF1b deficiency on hormone responses. The results indicate that changes in AtSURF1b affect mitochondrial function and the production of reactive oxygen species, which, in turn, impinges on a growth regulatory circuit that involves auxin, gibberellins and the transcription factor PIF4.

Assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome of an endemic plant, Scutellaria tsinyunensis, revealed the existence of two conformations generated by a repeat-mediated recombination

“…This genetic mechanism eliminates the paternal lines' influence, thus reducing the difficulty of genetic research (Wallace et al 1988). The mitogenome plays a significant role in plant productivity and development (Gras et al 2020;Liberatore et al 2016). It is involved in basic cell differentiation, apoptosis, cell growth, and cell division (Valero 2014).…”

Identification of SSR Markers Associated with Yield-Related Traits and Heterosis Effect in Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica Napus L.)

“…This gene encodes a protein localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is involved in the biogenesis of the cytochrome c oxidase complex. In Arabidopsis, this gene showed a link to early plant development and hormonal growth responses [69]. Marker BnGMS0749 is situated in the proximity of the transcription factor FAMA (LOC106409757), which show essential role in differentiation of Arabidopsis guard cells [70,71].…”

Salt Stress and Plant Molecular Responses

“…In rice SALT-RESPONSIVE ERF1 (SERF1), the gene showed root-specific stimulation after being acclimatized to salinity. The SERF1 gene is responsive against H 2 O 2 , which means that it has the potential to minimize ROS burden in plants [60].…”