Ph.D. Program in Plant Molecular Biology

Friday Seminar by Ms. Nikita Sharma


PK Lab/Friday/April6, 2018/3.30pm/Role of LEC2 gene during Somatic Embryogenesis
Category: Research

Role of LEC2 gene during Somatic Embryogenesis

 

Abstract:

Somatic Embryogenesis (SE) is the process that begins with a transition of somatic cells to an embryogenic state and can be induced under certain in vitro conditions among which a choice of appropriate source of competent cells and auxin stimulation are prerequisites. Understanding the key factors promoting vegetative-to embryogenic transition and identification of genes involved in the induction of competence for embryogenesis and subsequent embryo development presents a challenge for modern molecular biology. LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) genes in, Arabidopsis thaliana, plays a central role in controlling many aspects of plant embryogenesis, among them LEC2 is the key regulator that serves in both early and late phases of embryogenesis. LEC2 is sufficient to induce somatic embryogenesis if expressed ectopically, regulating via Auxin response pathway. It causes rapid changes in auxin responses and induces cellular differentiation characteristic of the maturation phase also. Besides this, it has also been found that there are some miRNAs that plays a crucial role in Somatic Embryogenesis induction. miR160 and miR165/166 contribute towards LEC2 mediated Auxin response involved in SE induction. miR165/166 controls the PHABULOSA/PHAVOLUTA (PHB/PHV) genes, which are the positive regulators of LEC2, while miR160 targets the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARF10, ARF16, ARF17) that control the auxin signalling pathway, which plays key role in LEC2 mediated SE.