Expression of key auxin biosynthesis genes correlates with auxin and starch content of developing wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains
Muhammed Rezwan Kabir
A , Heather M. Nonhebel A C , David Backhouse B and Gal Winter A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
B School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: hnonheb2@une.edu.au
Functional Plant Biology 48(8) 802-814 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP20319
Submitted: 13 October 2020 Accepted: 23 February 2021 Published: 15 March 2021
Abstract
The effect of auxin on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain size is contentious. Additionally, the contributions to the IAA pool from de novo synthesis versus hydrolysis of IAA-glucose are unclear. Here, we describe the first comprehensive study of tryptophan aminotransferase and indole-3-pyruvate mono-oxygenase expression from 5 to 20 days after anthesis. A comparison of expression data with measurements of endogenous IAA via combined liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry using heavy isotope labelled internal standards indicates that TaTAR2-B3, TaYUC9-A1, TaYUC9-B, TaYUC9-D1, TaYUC10-A and TaYUC10-D are primarily responsible for IAA production in developing grains. Furthermore, these genes are expressed specifically in developing grains, like those found in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). Our results cast doubt on the proposed role of THOUSAND-GRAIN WEIGHT gene, TaTGW6, in promoting larger grain size via negative effects on grain IAA content. Work on this gene overlooked the contribution of IAA biosynthesis from tryptophan. Although IAA synthesis occurs primarily in the endosperm, we show the TaYUC9-1 group is also strongly expressed in the embryo. Within the endosperm, TaYUC9-1 expression is highest in aleurone and transfer cells, suggesting that IAA has a key role in differentiation of these tissues as has been proposed for other cereals.
Keywords: auxin, grain fill, TaTAR2, TaYUC, TaTGW6, TaTGW-7A, Triticum aestivum L., grain development, grain size.
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