Auxin-driven ecophysiological diversification of leaves in domesticated tomato

Author(s):Show less -

Moreira, Juliene D. R. ; Rosa, Bruno L. ; Lira, Bruno S. ; Lima, Joni E. ; Correia, Ludmila N. F. ; Otoni, Wagner C. ; Figueira, Antonio ; Freschi, Luciano ; Sakamoto, Tetsu ; Peres, Lazaro E. P. ; Rossi, Magdalena ; Zsogon, Agustin

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Plant Physiology; v. N/A, p. 14-pg., 2022-05-27.

Abstract

Distribution of tomato heterobaric and homobaric leaves is controlled by a single-nucleotide polymorphism in an auxin-related transcription factor. Heterobaric leaves have bundle sheath extensions (BSEs) that compartmentalize the parenchyma, whereas homobaric leaves do not. The presence of BSEs affects leaf hydraulics and photosynthetic rate. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) obscuravenosa (obv) mutant lacks BSEs. Here, we identify the obv gene and the causative mutation, a nonsynonymous amino acid change that disrupts a C2H2 zinc finger motif in a putative transcription factor. This mutation exists as a polymorphism in the natural range of wild tomatoes but has increased in frequency in domesticated tomatoes, suggesting that the latter diversified into heterobaric and homobaric leaf types. The obv mutant displays reduced vein density, leaf hydraulic conductance and photosynthetic assimilation rate. We show that these and other pleiotropic effects on plant development, including changes in leaf insertion angle, leaf margin serration, minor vein density, and fruit shape, are controlled by OBV via changes in auxin signaling. Loss of function of the transcriptional regulator AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 4 (ARF4) also results in defective BSE development, revealing an additional component of a genetic module controlling aspects of leaf development important for ecological adaptation and subject to breeding selection. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/01128-9 - Light and hormonal regulation of nutritional quality in Solanum lycopersicum
• Grantee: Maria Magdalena Rossi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/14953-0 - Tocopherol metabolism engineering and its effects on tomato leaves and fruits
• Grantee: Bruno Silvestre Lira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral