Abstract
The Arabidopsis CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON1 (CUC1) and CUC2 genes encode functionally redundant NAC-transcription factors that promote shoot apical meristem (SAM) formation and organ separation. The cuc1 cuc2 double mutations cause severely fused cotyledons and lack of a SAM, while ectopic overexpression of CUC1 induces ectopic shoot meristem formation on the surface of cotyledons.
To identify downstream genes of CUC1, we carried out microarray experiments. To compare mRNAs extracted from wild-type and cuc1 cuc2 embryos at the torpedo stage, shortly after the onset of CUC1 expression, and obtained 62 genes which are significantly downregulated in cuc1 cuc2. In addition, another set of microarray experiments identified 12 genes activated by CUC1 overexpression. Using real-time PCR, we are now analyzing expression patterns of these candidate downstream genes in wild-type embryos at different stages and the effect of CUC1 and CUC2 on these candidates. The results from these expriments will be presented.
