Gene structure induced epigenetic modifications of pericarp color1 alleles of maize result in tissue-specific mosaicism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The pericarp color1 (p1) gene encodes for a myb-homologous protein that regulates the biosynthesis of brick-red flavonoid pigments called phlobahpenes. The pattern of pigmentation on the pericarp and cob glumes depends upon the allelic constitution at the p1 locus. p1 alleles have unique gene structure and copy number which have been proposed to influence the epigenetic regulation of tissue-specific gene expression. For example, the presence of tandem-repeats has been correlated with the suppression of pericarp pigmentation though a mechanism associated with increased DNA methylation.

Methodology/principal findings

Herein, we extensively characterize a p1 allele called P1-mosaic (P1-mm) that has mosaic pericarp and light pink or colorless cob glumes pigmentation.

SUBMITTER: Robbins ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2788268 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature