Argonaute（AGO） proteins play a key role in regulation of gene expression through small RNA‐directed RNA cleavage and translational repression, and are essential for multiple developmental processes. In the present ...Argonaute（AGO） proteins play a key role in regulation of gene expression through small RNA‐directed RNA cleavage and translational repression, and are essential for multiple developmental processes. In the present study, 17 AGO genes of maize（Zea mays L., ZmAGOs） were identified using a Hidden Markov Model and validated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends assay. Subsequently, quantitative PCR revealed that expressions of these genes were higher in reproductive than in vegetative tissues. AGOs presented five temporal and spatial expression patterns, which were likely modulated by DNA methylation, 50‐untranslated exons and microRNA‐mediated feedback loops. Intriguingly, ZmAGO18 b was highly expressed in tassels during meiosis. Furthermore, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence showed that ZmAResearchGO18b was enriched in the tapetum and germ cells in meiotic anthers. We hypothesized that ZmAGOs are highly expressed in reproductive tissues, and that ZmAGO18 b is a tapetum and germ cell‐specific member of the AGO family in maize.展开更多
基金supported by the National Hi-Tech Program of China (2012AA10A307)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31071429)the National Science and Technology Major Project (2011ZX08009‐001)
文摘Argonaute（AGO） proteins play a key role in regulation of gene expression through small RNA‐directed RNA cleavage and translational repression, and are essential for multiple developmental processes. In the present study, 17 AGO genes of maize（Zea mays L., ZmAGOs） were identified using a Hidden Markov Model and validated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends assay. Subsequently, quantitative PCR revealed that expressions of these genes were higher in reproductive than in vegetative tissues. AGOs presented five temporal and spatial expression patterns, which were likely modulated by DNA methylation, 50‐untranslated exons and microRNA‐mediated feedback loops. Intriguingly, ZmAGO18 b was highly expressed in tassels during meiosis. Furthermore, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence showed that ZmAResearchGO18b was enriched in the tapetum and germ cells in meiotic anthers. We hypothesized that ZmAGOs are highly expressed in reproductive tissues, and that ZmAGO18 b is a tapetum and germ cell‐specific member of the AGO family in maize.
