Ovule development is critical for seed development and plant reproduction. Multiple transcription factors (TFs) have been reported to mediate ovule development. However, it is not clear which intracellular components regulate these TFs during ovule development. After their synthesis, TFs are transported into the nucleus a process regulated by karyopherins commonly known as importin alpha and β. Around half of Arabidopsis () importin β-coding genes have been functionally characterized but only two with specific cargos have been identified. We report here that Arabidopsis IMPORTIN β4 (IMB4) regulates ovule development through nucleocytoplasmic transport of transcriptional coactivator growth regulating factors-interacting factors (GIFs). Mutations in impaired ovule development by affecting integument growth. mutants were also defective in embryo sac development, leading to partial female sterility. IMB4 directly interacts with GIFs and is critical for the nucleocytoplasmic transport of GIF1. Finally, functional loss of s resulted in ovule defects similar to those in mutants, whereas enhanced expression of partially restored the fertility of The results presented here uncover a novel genetic pathway regulating ovule development and reveal the upstream regulator of GIFs.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1104/pp.18.01135 | DOI Listing |
Zoo Biol
January 2025
Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Mosman New South Wales 2088, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia.
A zoo-based, 11-year-old, uniparous southern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor) failed to conceive after weaning a calf. Behavioral observation and fecal progestagen monitoring confirmed irregular estrous cycles. Serial transrectal reproductive ultrasound examination revealed the cause to be recurrent anovulatory hemorrhagic follicles (AHFs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlants (Basel)
December 2024
Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-130, SP, Brazil.
In the complex dynamics of plant-insect interactions, the specialized galling of reproductive structures presents unique evolutionary adaptations. This study investigates the parasitic relationship between (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), an ovary-galling wasp, and the inflorescences of (Araceae). We employed field experiments and histological analyses to investigate the mechanisms driving this interaction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
December 2024
Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
This study investigated the influence of two in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols-controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and a modified natural cycle protocol-on gene expression levels (Anti-Müllerian Hormone (), Anti-Müllerian Hormone Receptor Type 2 (), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (), and Androgen Receptor ()) and the subsequent reproductive outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Gene expression, as well as oocyte, zygote, and embryo morphological parameters, were analyzed to evaluate the differences between the protocols. Our findings show that expression was significantly associated with successful fertilization, while expression correlated with improved embryo transfer outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPeerJ
January 2025
Key Laboratory of Cultivation and Protection for Non-Wood Forest Trees, Ministry of Education, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Background: Many plants, including those commonly found in the Fagaceae family, produce more flowers and ovules than mature fruits and seeds. In , an ovary contains 16-24 ovules, but only one develops into a seed. The other ovules abort or otherwise fail to fully develop, but the reason for this is unknown.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFReprod Biol Endocrinol
January 2025
Departments of Internal Medicine and Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
Background: Overweight and obesity-chronic illnesses in which an increase in body fat promotes adipose tissue dysfunction and abnormal fat mass resulting in adverse metabolic, biomechanical, and psychosocial health consequences-negatively impact female fertility. Adverse conception outcomes are multifactorial, ranging from poor oocyte quality and implantation issues to miscarriages and fetal health issues. However, with the advent of novel pharmacologic agents, significant weight loss can be achieved, improving the chances of healthy pregnancies, and their use should be considered during periconceptual counseling.
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