ngl9: A Third MADS Box Gene Expressed in Alfalfa Root Nodules

Expression of MADS box genes has previously been localized to the infected cells of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) root nodules. These genes represent the first putative transcription factors to be identified in nodules and are hypothesized to be involved in a signal transduction pathway initiated by the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Joseph C. Zucchero, Michal Caspi, Kathleen Dunn
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The American Phytopathological Society 2001-12-01
Series:Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
Online Access:https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/MPMI.2001.14.12.1463
Description
Summary:Expression of MADS box genes has previously been localized to the infected cells of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) root nodules. These genes represent the first putative transcription factors to be identified in nodules and are hypothesized to be involved in a signal transduction pathway initiated by the intracellular bacterium. The eventual activation of specific target genes defines pertinent characteristics of this nitrogen-fixing differentiated cell. In this study, we identify a third nodule MADS box gene, ngl9, and demonstrate that the DNA-binding activity of its protein product is dependent on the presence of a second MADS box protein, NMH7. Despite previous results to the contrary, both genes are expressed in the early stages of flower development, further strengthening the premise that nodule developmental programming may capitalize upon existing developmental cascades.
ISSN:0894-0282
1943-7706