Abstract
Seed vernalization promotes seed germination and flowering in various plants, and glutathione is required for vernalization-promoting flowering. Here we show that major changes in gene expression following seed vernalization involve glutathione in Arabidopsis thaliana. Seed vernalization treatment of wild-type seeds changed certain genes during seed germination, which are defined as "seed-vernalization-responsive (SVR) genes". Regardless of seed vernalization treatment, a similar gene expression pattern was observed in seed germination of transgenic plants overexpressing the gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase gene GSH1, coding an enzyme limiting glutathione biosynthesis, under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Taken together, SVR gene expression is modulated by glutathione. Based on changes in the amount and redox state of glutathione in wild-type and transgenic seeds treated and untreated with seed vernalization, we discuss the importance of oxidized redox states of glutathione in seed vernalization.
