Loss of ovule identity induced by overexpression of the fertilization-related kinase 2 (ScFRK2), a MAPKKK from Solanum chacoense.

In order to gain information about protein kinases acting during plant fertilization and embryogenesis, a reverse genetic approach was used to determine the role of protein kinases expressed in reproductive tissues. Two cDNA clones named ScFRK1 and ScFRK2 (Solanum chacoense fertilization-related kinase 1 and 2) were isolated from an expressed sequence tag (EST) library normalized for weakly expressed genes in fertilized ovaries. These showed significant sequence similarities to members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) family.

The ScFRK2 MAP kinase kinase kinase from Solanum chacoense affects pollen development and viability.

We have previously described the FERTILIZATION-RELATED KINASE 2 (ScFRK2), a MAP kinase kinase kinase from Solanum chacoense that is predominantly expressed in reproductive tissues. Overexpression of the ScFRK2 gene modifies the cell fate of ovule initials and induces homeotic transformation of ovules into carpelloid structures. Since the ScFRK2 gene is normally expressed also in anthers, we now further our observations on the effect of ScFRK2 overexpression in male reproductive structures.

Characterization of a fertilization-induced and developmentally regulated plasma-membrane aquaporin expressed in reproductive tissues, in the wild potato Solanum chacoense Bitt.

Fertilization triggers a unique and complex developmental program leading to embryogenesis and seed set. Growth and differentiation are accompanied by rapid metabolic changes as well as massive cellular reorganization inside the fertilized ovule. Using differential display to isolate genes involved in pollen-pistil interactions and early fertilization events, we isolated from Solanum chacoense Bitt.