Seminar "Evolution of a transcription factor that controls male gametogenesis in plants" by Prof. Frederic Berger, Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology

Dear All,

Plant Epigenetics Unit (Saze unit) would like to invite you to a seminar by Prof. Frederic Berger.

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Date: Wednesday, April 20^th, 2016
Time:11:00-12:00
Venue: D014, Lab 1
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Speaker: Prof. Frederic Berger, Senior Group Leader, Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Vienna, Austria

Title: “Evolution of a transcription factor that controls male gametogenesis in plants”

Abstract:

Genetically encoded modifications of gene networks lead to diversification of cell types and developmental plans. These modifications affects either cis-regulatory elements usually present in the promoters or changes in the transcription factors (TFs) that bind to these cis-elements. Male gametogenesis can be viewed as an extreme form of cell differentiation and in flowering plants and it is controlled by the key MYB transcription factor DUO1. We report that DUO1 and its function in the control of male gametogenesis evolved in land plants, ancestors to Arabidopsis. In the basal land plant Marchantia the expression of DUO1 is essential for male gametogenesis. We report evolutionary conservation both of the cis-element that drives DUO1 male specific expression, the DNA binding sequence of DUO1 and the target element recognized by DUO1. DUO1 also controls a partially conserved core network of targets. We propose a scenario whereby DUO1 function evolved both as a result of a new cis-elelemnt and a distinct DNA binding domain to enable the transition towards elaborate differentiation of male gametes in the plant lineage.  

We look forward to seeing many of you at the seminar.

Sincerely,
Yoko Fujitomi
Plant Epigenetics Unit (Saze unit)