Self-compatibility in Arabidopsis is caused by a mutation of a self-non-self identifying factor encoded by pollen self-incompatibility gene

[Key Points]

・ Self-compatibility in Arabidopsis is acquired by a mutation in SCR (SP11), a male self-incompatibility gene

・ Arabidopsis excludes selfed pollen after being introduced restored SCR (SP11) gene

・ The research result can help promote the crop breeding and contribute to the preservation of wild plants

[Summary]

　Self-incompatibility to control selfing and outcrossing has been contributed to plant spices diversity and prevention of inbreeding depression.

　In this study, we have first identified the key gene, encoding pollen S determinant gene, SCR (SP11), of self-compatibility of Arabidopsis thaliana, cruciferous plant. Furthermore, by the transformation of modifying the mutated SCR (SP11) gene to A. thaliana, the transformants acquired the self-incompatibility trait. This success is the first event all over the world.

　The research has been conducted in collaboration with 8 national and international universities including Professor Masao Watanabe, Keita Suwabe, Postdoctoral Fellow, Sachiyo Isokawa, Doctoral Student, at Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Associate Professor Kentaro Shimizu, Takashi Tsuchimatsu, Doctoral Student, at Universitat Zurich, Switzerland.

　The research results have been published in Nature as Advance Online Publication (AOP) on April 18, 2010. Paper’s title is “Evolution of self-compatibility in Arabidopsis by a mutation in the male specificity gene.”

More Information (Japanese)

[Contact]

Professor Masao Watanabe

Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University

TEL: +81-22-217-5681

E-mail: nabe*ige.tohoku.ac.jp (Replace * with @)

Website: http://www.ige.tohoku.ac.jp/prg/watanabe/