The BELL1 gene encodes a homeodomain protein involved in pattern formation in the Arabidopsis ovule primordium

Leonore Reiser*, Zora Modrusan, Linda Margossian, Alon Samach, Nir Ohad, George W. Haughn, Robert L. Fischer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

220 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ovule development in Arabidopsis involves the formation of three morphologically defined proximal-distal pattern elements. Integuments arise from the central pattern element. Analysis of Bell1 (Bell) mutant ovules indicated that BEL1 was required for integument development. Cloning of the BEL1 locus reveals that it encodes a homeodomain transcription factor. Prior to integument initiation, BEL1 RNA localizes to the central domain, providing molecular evidence for a central pattern element. Therefore, proximal-distal patterning of the ovule involves the regulated expression of the BEL1 gene that controls integument morphogenesis. A model for BEL1 function is evaluated with regard to new data showing the expression pattern of the floral homeotic gene AGAMOUS (AG) early in wild-type and Bell ovule development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)735-742
Number of pages8
JournalCell
Volume83
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 1995
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Science Foundation

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