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Expression of α-expansin genes during root acclimations to O2 deficiency in Rumex palustris

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Abstract

Thirteen α-expansin genes were isolated from Rumex palustris, adding to the six already documented for this species. Five α-expansin genes were selected for expression studies in various organs/tissues of R. palustris, with a focus on roots exposed to aerated or O2-deficient conditions, using real-time RT-PCR. Several cases of differential expression of α-expansin genes in the various root types of R. palustris were documented, and the identity of the dominant transcript differed between root types (i.e., tap root vs. lateral roots vs. adventitious roots). Several genes were expressed differentially in response to low O2. In situ hybridizations showed expansin mRNA expression in the oldest region of the tap root was localized to cells near the vascular cambium; this being the first report of expansin expression associated with secondary growth in roots. In situ hybridization also showed abundant expression of expansin mRNA in the most apical 1 mm of adventitious roots. Such early expression of expansin mRNA in cells soon after being produced by the root apex presumably enables cell wall loosening in the elongation zone of roots. In addition, expression of some expansin mRNAs increased in ‘mature zones’ of roots; these expansins might be involved in root hair formation or in formation of lateral root primordia. The present findings support the notion that large gene families of α-expansins enable flexibility in expression for various organs and tissues as a normal part of plant development, as well as in response to abiotic stress.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009, Australia

    T. D. Colmer

  2. Plant Ecophysiology, Faculty of Biology, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelann 16, Utrecht, CA 3584, the Netherlands

    A. J. M. Peeters, C. A. M. Wagemaker, W. H. Vriezen, A. Ammerlaan & L. A. C. J. Voesenek

  3. Department of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, University of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, Nijmegen, 6525 ED, the Netherlands

    C. A. M. Wagemaker

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Colmer, T.D., Peeters, A.J.M., Wagemaker, C.A.M. et al. Expression of α-expansin genes during root acclimations to O2 deficiency in Rumex palustris . Plant Mol Biol 56, 423–437 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11103-004-3844-5

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