Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Groffman, Dominique [1], Zumajo, Cecilia [2], Smalls, Tynisha [2], Ambrose, Barbara [2].

SPOROCYTELESS (SPL) gene lineage evolution across vascular plants.

Sporangia are homologous structures across vascular plants, however, the molecular genetic basis that underpins the development of all sporangia is poorly understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a gene involved in sporangia development is a putative transcription factor, SPOROCYTELESS (SPL). It is required for the initiation of both micro- and megagametogenesis and is expressed in the sporogenous tissue of the anther and the ovule. Additionally, SPL has four paralogs in Arabidopsis, SPEAR1, 2, 3 and 4 that have not been functionally characterized. To identify large-scale duplication events and evaluate conserved protein motifs across these homologs, we investigated the evolution of SPL across vascular plants with an emphasis on lycophytes and ferns using phylogenetic and protein analyses. We identified conserved as well as new motifs in SPL proteins across vascular plants. We also identified two major clades within the SPL gene lineage, the first includes SPL and SPEAR1/3 and the second clade SPEAR2/4. We found major duplication events in each clade and several taxon-specific duplications. Our results demonstrate SPL is present across vascular plants, however, SPEAR1-4 homologs are restricted to angiosperms. To better understand the functional conservation of SPL in vascular plants, we analyzed expression of SPL orthologs in lycophytes and ferns. These comparative studies will help to identify the genetic network involved in the onset of sporogenesis and how this network diversified as reproductive strategies diverged from those of early arising land plant lineages.

1 - Morris Arboretum, Botany, 3827 Mount Vernon St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
2 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States

Keywords:
SPOROCYTELESS
SPL
NOZZLE
gene lineage
sporangia
Ceratopteris richardii.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo) Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEV001
Abstract ID:487
Candidate for Awards:Developmental and Structural Section best poster