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Ancient Root Development Gene Predates Roots Themselves
- Researchers at Kobe University discovered that the RLF gene known for regulating root development in plants also plays a crucial role in organ formation in liverworts, ancient plants lacking true roots.
- The study challenges traditional views of plant genetics by revealing how evolutionary mechanisms repurpose genetic pathways for new biological functions.
- The RLF gene family, previously linked to lateral root formation in Arabidopsis, was found to be essential for organ morphology in liverworts such as Marchantia polymorpha.
- Gene complementation experiments showed that the RLF genes from Arabidopsis and Marchantia could function interchangeably, indicating deep evolutionary conservation.
- The RLF gene encodes a heme-binding protein similar to cytochrome b5, revealing a novel connection between metabolic cofactors and organogenesis in plants.
- Liverworts, predating vascular plants, demonstrate that organ development mechanisms existed before the evolution of specialized roots, highlighting evolutionary innovation.
- The study emphasizes the repurposing of genetic modules for new functions as a key aspect of evolutionary biology, showcasing how roots may have evolved from existing genetic circuits.
- Decoding RLF's role within plant developmental signaling networks could enhance understanding of organogenesis and lead to improved crop resilience and nutrient uptake efficiency.
- Using genetic manipulation tools and comparative genomics, the researchers leveraged Marchantia as a model organism to bridge findings between basal and flowering plants.
- The interdisciplinary study, funded by various programs including Japan's MEXT, highlights international collaborative efforts to address fundamental questions in plant biology.
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