MADS-box Genes Driven Life History Strategy Diversity in Brassicaceae

doi:10.11983/CBB24076

Abstract

Abstract: The numerous flowering genes that have been identified in different plants play a crucial role in determining whether a plant is annual or perennial. However, the evolutionary mechanism by which these flowering genes drive the transition between annual and perennial life history strategies in Brassicaceae plants remains poorly understood. A recent study focused on natural variations in different genera of Brassicaceae. They identified three closely related MADS-box transcription factor genes, namely FLC, FLM, and MAF, and elucidated their molecular mechanisms associated with the transition between annual and perennial behavior. Their findings suggest that the life-history strategy in Brassicaceae plants (i.e., the conversion between perennial, biennial, and annual behavior) is a continuum determined by the dosage of FLC-like MADS-box genes. The study elucidates the evolutionary mechanisms and trajectories underlying the reciprocal conversion of life history strategies from annual to perennial in Brassicaceae, providing a theoretical foundation for breeding perennial rapeseed varieties and offering insights for Brassicaceae crops improved towards perennial grain.

Key words: Brassicaceae, life history strategy, MADS-box, perennial, annual, transition

Xiaoping Lian, Getachew Melaku, Shilai Zhang, Fengyi Hu. MADS-box Genes Driven Life History Strategy Diversity in Brassicaceae[J]. Chinese Bulletin of Botany, 2024, 59(3): 351-354.

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URL: https://www.chinbullbotany.com/EN/10.11983/CBB24076

https://www.chinbullbotany.com/EN/Y2024/V59/I3/351

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