ARS | Publication request: The Interaction of knotted1 and thick tassel dwarf1 in Vegetative and Reproductive Meristems of Maize

Submitted to: Genetics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2008
Publication Date: April 1, 2009
Repository URL: http://www.genetics.org/cgi/reprint/181/4/1693
Citation: Lunde, C., Hake, S.C. 2009. The Interaction of knotted1 and thick tassel dwarf1 in Vegetative and Reproductive Meristems of Maize. Genetics. (Epub 1/19/09) 191(4):1693-7.

Interpretive Summary: kn1 mutants form fewer lateral organs and td1 inflorescences are fasciated with additional floral organs. We made double mutants and analyzed their phenotypes. Double mutants show kn1 epistatic to td1 in seedling and ear development but dose-sensitivity exists later to promote leaf initiation.

Technical Abstract: In Arabidopsis, SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) and CLAVATA1 (CLV1) competitively regulate meristem homeostasis. Here, we explore the interaction of their maize homologs knotted1 (kn1) and thick tassel dwarf1 (td1). kn1 mutants form fewer lateral organs and td1 inflorescences are fasciated with additional floral organs. Double mutants show kn1 epistatic to td1 in seedling and ear development but dose-sensitivity exists later to promote leaf initiation. Thus kn1 and td1 function in a pathway to maintain meristem homeostasis but their products may interact with different partners during development.