Author
|
Submitted to: Plant Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2009 Publication Date: 10/14/2009 Citation: Horvath, D.P. 2009. Common Mechanisms Regulate Flowering and Dormancy. Plant Science. 177:523-531. DOI:10.1016/j.plantsci.2009.09.002. Interpretive Summary: This review discusses the interconnectedness of signaling pathways involved in circadian rhythm responses, flowering, and bud dormancy. Correlations linking temperature sensing pathways and circadian responses are developed. Data from both published and unpublished transcriptome analysis is used to support linkages between dormancy induction and alterations in expression of genes involved in circadian responses and flowering regulation. A model showing the complex interactions is developed. Technical Abstract: In 1960, Chouard hypothesized that there might be a connection between vernalization (facilitation of floral competence) and release from endodormancy. In 2003, we reiterated this hypothesis and suggested potential mechanisms involving chromatin remodeling. Since then, there have been several papers and some interesting but yet unpublished results from various labs working on several different perennial species that link induction of flowering and endodormancy. This work has directly implicated FT and MADS-box transcription factor genes similar to SVP and/or AGL24 in the development of endodormancy. Numerous studies in other model systems have demonstrated the function and regulation of these genes in floral regulation. Combined, these studies comprise the groundwork for future investigations designed to understand the nature and function of the regulatory mechanisms that control induction and release of endodormancy in perennial plants. The fact that these mechanisms have been identified across numerous and diverse plant families, suggests that they are highly conserved among perennial species, and thus could be used to outline a general model for endodormancy regulation. |
