Abstract
It is well known that the size of meristem is regulated by CLAVATA (CLV) signaling pathway in Arabidopsis. On the other hand, the genetic mechanisms of such regulation are poorly understood in other plants. We have been studying the function of FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER1 (FON1) and FON2 genes in rice. Our previous findings indicated that the genetic regulation of the CLV signaling pathway is principally conserved between rice and Arabidopsis. Furthermore, our data also suggest that some modifications are required for constructing a model in rice. To elucidate the mechanism of meristem maintenance further, it is essential to identify other genes that regulate meristem size. Here, we report the isolation of a gene that suppresses the fon2 mutation and its function. Our results strongly suggest an existence of an extra signaling pathway independent that of FON2-FON1 to regulate maintenance of the aerial meristems in rice.
