A functional cutin matrix is required for plant protection against water loss |
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| Authors: | Guoxiong Chen Takao Komatsuda Jian Feng Ma Chao Li Naoki Yamaji Eviatar Nevo |
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| Institution: | 1.Laboratory of Plant Stress Ecophysiology and Biotechnology; Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Institute; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Lanzhou China;2.National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences; Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan;3.Institute of Plant Science and Resources; Okayama University; Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan;4.Institute of Evolution; University of Haifa; Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel |
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| Abstract: | The plant cuticle, a cutin matrix embedded with and covered by wax, seals the aerial organ''s surface to protect the plant against uncontrolled water loss. The cutin matrix is essential for the cuticle to function as a barrier to water loss. Recently, we identified from wild barley a drought supersensitive mutant, eibi1, which is caused by a defective cutin matrix as the result of the loss of function of HvABCG31, an ABCG full transporter. Here, we report that eibi1 epidermal cells contain lipid-like droplets, which are supposed to consist of cutin monomers that have not been transported out of the cells. The eibi1 cuticle is fragile due to a defective cutin matrix. The rice ortholog of the EIBI1 gene has a similar pattern of expression, young shoot but not flag leaf blade, as the barley gene. The model of the function of Eibi1 is discussed. The HvABCG31 full transporter functions in the export of cutin components and contributed to land plant colonization, hence also to terrestrial life evolution.Key words: ABC transporter, cuticle, cuticular wax, drought resistance, inclusion |
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