The sieve element occlusion gene family in dicotyledonous plants |
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| Authors: | Antonia M Ernst Boris Rüping Stephan B Jekat Steffen Nordzieke Anna R Reineke Boje Müller Erich Bornberg-Bauer Dirk Prüfer Gundula A Noll |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME); Aachen, Germany;2.Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster; Münster, Germany;3.Institut für Evolution und Biodiversität; Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster; Münster, Germany |
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| Abstract: | Sieve element occlusion (SEO) genes encoding forisome subunits have been identified in Medicago truncatula and other legumes. Forisomes are structural phloem proteins uniquely found in Fabaceae sieve elements. They undergo a reversible conformational change after wounding, from a condensed to a dispersed state, thereby blocking sieve tube translocation and preventing the loss of photoassimilates. Recently, we identified SEO genes in several non-Fabaceae plants (lacking forisomes) and concluded that they most probably encode conventional non-forisome P-proteins. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the SEO gene family has identified domains that are characteristic for SEO proteins. Here, we extended our phylogenetic analysis by including additional SEO genes from several diverse species based on recently published genomic data. Our results strengthen the original assumption that SEO genes seem to be widespread in dicotyledonous angiosperms, and further underline the divergent evolution of SEO genes within the Fabaceae.Key words: forisome, P-protein, sieve element occlusion, phloem, wound sealing, gene family, Fabacea |
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