(1)O2-mediated retrograde signaling during late embryogenesis predetermines plastid differentiation in seedlings by recruiting abscisic acid

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Jun 16;106(24):9920-4. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0901315106. Epub 2009 May 29.

Abstract

Plastid development in seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana is affected by the transfer of (1)O(2)-mediated retrograde signals from the plastid to the nucleus and changes in nuclear gene expression during late embryogenesis. The potential impact of these mechanisms on plastid differentiation is maintained throughout seed dormancy and becomes effective only after seed germination. Inactivation of the 2 nuclear-encoded plastid proteins EXECUTER1 and EXECUTER2 blocks (1)O(2)-mediated retrograde signaling before the onset of dormancy and impairs normal plastid formation in germinating seeds. This long-term effect of (1)O(2) retrograde signaling depends on the recruitment of abscisic acid (ABA) during seedling development. Unexpectedly, ABA acts as a positive regulator of plastid formation in etiolated and light-grown seedlings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abscisic Acid / physiology*
  • Arabidopsis / embryology*
  • Oxygen / metabolism*
  • Plastids*
  • Seeds / growth & development*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Abscisic Acid
  • Oxygen