A Y-chromosome-encoded small RNA acts as sex determinant in persimmons

ABSTRACT: In plants, multiple lineages have evolved sex chromosomes independently, providing a powerful comparative framework, but few specific determinants controlling the expression of a specific sex have been identified. We investigated sex-determinants in Caucasian persimmon, Diospyros lotus, a dioecious plant with heterogametic males (XY). Male-specific short nucleotide sequences were used to define a male determining region. A combination of transcriptomics and evolutionary approaches detected a Y-specific sex-determinant candidate, OGI, that displays male-specific conservation among Diospyros species. OGI encodes a small RNA targeting the autosomal MeGI gene, a homeodomain transcription factor regulating anther fertility in dosage-dependent fashion. This identification of a feminizing gene suppressed by a Y-chromosome-encoded small RNA contributes to our understanding of the evolution of sex chromosome systems in higher plants. For expression analyses, mixed buds were sampled on June 17, and July 4, 2013, corresponding to the early differentiation stages of male/female primordia, respectively.

ORGANISM(S): Diospyros lotus

SUBMITTER: Luca Comai 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-61386 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress