The myb-homologous P gene controls phlobaphene pigmentation in maize floral organs by directly activating a flavonoid biosynthetic gene subset - PubMed (original) (raw)

Comparative Study

. 1994 Feb 11;76(3):543-53.

doi: 10.1016/0092-8674(94)90117-1.

Affiliations

Comparative Study

The myb-homologous P gene controls phlobaphene pigmentation in maize floral organs by directly activating a flavonoid biosynthetic gene subset

E Grotewold et al. Cell. 1994.

Abstract

The maize P gene, which specifies red pigmentation of the kernel pericarp, cob, and other floral organs, has been an important model since the early days of modern genetics. Here we show that P encodes a Myb homolog that recognizes the sequence CCT/AACC, in sharp contrast with the C/TAACGG bound by vertebrate Myb proteins. P binds to and activates transcription of the A1 gene required for 3-deoxy flavonoid and phlobaphene biosynthesis, but not the Bz1 gene required for anthocyanin biosynthesis. The maize C1 gene, which also encodes a Myb homolog, activates both the A1 and Bz1 genes, but only in the presence of a basic-helix-loop-helix coactivator encoded by the maize genes R or B. These results indicate that Myb homologs can differentially regulate gene expression by binding different DNA sequences, through combinatorial interactions with other factors, or both.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

LinkOut - more resources