A distinct foliar pigmentation pattern formed by activator-repressor gradients upstream of an anthocyanin-activating R2R3-MYB

Amy M. LaFountain, Qiaoshan Lin, Hayley E. McMahon, Ya Min, Baoqing Ding, Vandana Gurung, Jeffrey R. Seemann, Yao Wu Yuan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The emergence of novel traits is often preceded by a potentiation phase, when all the genetic components necessary for producing the trait are assembled. However, elucidating these potentiating factors is challenging. We have previously shown that an anthocyanin-activating R2R3-MYB, STRIPY, triggers the emergence of a distinct foliar pigmentation pattern in the monkeyflower Mimulus verbenaceus. Here, using forward and reverse genetics approaches, we identify three potentiating factors that pattern STRIPY expression: MvHY5, a master regulator of light signaling that activates STRIPY and is expressed throughout the leaf, and two leaf developmental regulators, MvALOG1 and MvTCP5, that are expressed in opposing gradients along the leaf proximodistal axis and negatively regulate STRIPY. These results provide strong empirical evidence that phenotypic novelties can be potentiated through incorporation into preexisting genetic regulatory networks and highlight the importance of positional information in patterning the novel foliar stripe.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number114444
JournalCell Reports
Volume43
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 23 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • anthocyanin
  • CP: Plants
  • evo-devo
  • Mimulus
  • pattern formation
  • phenotypic novelty
  • potentiation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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