Anatomical and transcriptomic characterization of the canola (Brassica napus) maternal seed subregions during ovule and seed development.
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Date
2015-12
Authors
Millar, Jenna
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Plant Science
Abstract
Canola (Brassica napus) contributes $19.3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy each year as a result of its oil- and protein-rich seeds. These economically important seed products are produced in highest concentration in the embryo. Embryo development is supported nutritionally and structurally by the maternal subregions, which include the inner (ISC) and outer distal seed coat (OSC), the chalazal seed coat (CZSC), and the chalazal proliferating tissue (CPT). Research on the maternal seed subregions is limited to the SC as a result of its accessibility; the embedded CZSC and CPT subregions have yet to be characterized in canola. Using light and transmission electron microscopy, I found the CZSC and CPT to be anatomically distinct and experience profound changes throughout seed development. To understand these changes at the RNA level, laser microdissection and RNA sequencing were used to profile these subregions spatially and temporally from the ovule to mature green stage of seed development. Employing vigorous bioinformatics analyses, I found that the maternal subregions are transcriptomically distinct and possess unique RNA populations. From here I began to elucidate the biological processes operating within the maternal subregions. As a whole, the maternal subregions appear to have a critical role in transporting nutrients to the filial subregions as well as in coping with oxidative stress produced during these energy-rich processes. Additionally, using CanEnrich, I was able to generate predictive transcriptional circuits regulating the biological processes occurring within the maternal seed. This research has produced the most comprehensive dataset on the canola seed to date and will provide a valuable resource for research on seed development as well as seed improvement.
Description
Keywords
Canola seed development, Laser microdissection, RNA sequencing, Bioinformatics, Light microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy
Citation
Millar JL, Khan D, Becker MG, Chan A, Dufresne A, Sumner M, Belmonte MF (2015) Chalazal seed coat development in Brassica napus. Plant Sci 241: 45–54