Cytokinin is an important regulator of symbiotic nodule development. Recently, KNOTTED1-LIKE HOMEOBOX 3 transcription factor (TF) was shown to regulate symbiotic nodule development possibly via the activation of cytokinin biosynthesis genes. However, the direct interaction between the KNOX3 TF and its target genes has not been investigated up to date. Here, using EMSA analysis and SPR-based assay, we found that MtKNOX3 homeodomain directly binds to the regulatory sequences of the MtLOG1, MtLOG2, and MtIPT3 genes involved in nodulation in Medicago truncatula. Moreover, we showed that MtLOG2 and MtIPT3 expression patterns partially overlap with MtKNOX3 expression in developing nodules as it was shown by promoter:GUS analysis. Our data suggest that MtKNOX3 TF may directly activate the MtLOG1, MtLOG2, and MtIPT3 genes during nodulation thereby increasing cytokinin biosynthesis in developing nodules.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0232352
Number of pages13
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 30 Apr 2020

    Research areas

  • Cytokinins/biosynthesis, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Gene Expression Regulation, Plant, Homeodomain Proteins/genetics, Medicago truncatula/genetics, Plant Proteins/genetics, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Transcription Factors/genetics, PLANT, RNA, KNOTTED CLASS, HOMEODOMAIN PROTEIN, RESPONSES, ARABIDOPSIS, MAP

    Scopus subject areas

  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
  • General
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

ID: 70929235