Abstract
The loss-of-function mutations in the ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 (AS1) or in the ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2) genes of Arabidopsis thaliana cause pleiotropic phenotypes such as downward curling of leaves and cotyledons, reduced complexity of leaf venation pattern, generation of lobes, and slightly shorter petiole. The AS1 encodes a myb-like transcription factor. The AS2 gene encodes a protein with a novel domain (AS2/LOB domain) that contains cysteine repeats (C-motif), conserved glycine, and a leucine-zipper-like sequence. The genes might function in maintaining leaf cells in a developmentally determinate state, probably by repressing expression of class I KNOX homeobox genes. To clarify the function of AS2, we performed a genetic screen for the enhancer of as2. We will report several candidate mutants and its phenotypes.
