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Structural basis for the complex DNA binding behavior of the plant stem cell regulator WUSCHEL.

<div class='caption-title'>Structure and conservation of the A. thaliana WUS-HD.</div>
<div class='caption-title'>Characterization of WUS-HD DNA-binding behavior in vitro, in vivo, and by crystallography.</div>
<div class='caption-title'>Comparison of sequence specificity with typical and atypical HDs.</div>
Sloan J, Hakenjos JP, Gebert M, Ermakova O, Gumiero A, Stier G, Wild K, Sinning I, Lohmann JU
OpenAccess logo Nat Commun 11 2223 (2020)
Related entries: 6ryd, 6ryi, 6ryl

Cited: 9 times
EuropePMC logo PMID: 32376862

Abstract

Stem cells are one of the foundational evolutionary novelties that allowed the independent emergence of multicellularity in the plant and animal lineages. In plants, the homeodomain (HD) transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS) is essential for the maintenance of stem cells in the shoot apical meristem. WUS has been reported to bind to diverse DNA motifs and to act as transcriptional activator and repressor. However, the mechanisms underlying this remarkable behavior have remained unclear. Here, we quantitatively delineate WUS binding to three divergent DNA motifs and resolve the relevant structural underpinnings. We show that WUS exhibits a strong binding preference for TGAA repeat sequences, while retaining the ability to weakly bind to TAAT elements. This behavior is attributable to the formation of dimers through interactions of specific residues in the HD that stabilize WUS DNA interaction. Our results provide a mechanistic basis for dissecting WUS dependent regulatory networks in plant stem cell control.

Reviews citing this publication (4)

  1. Meristem Initiation and de novo Stem Cell Formation. Nicolas A, Laufs P. Front Plant Sci 13 891228 (2022)
  2. To bind or not to bind: how AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs select their target genes. Rienstra J, Hernández-García J, Weijers D. J Exp Bot 74 6922-6932 (2023)
  3. Meeting at the DNA: Specifying Cytokinin Responses through Transcription Factor Complex Formation. Leuendorf JE, Schmülling T. Plants (Basel) 10 1458 (2021)
  4. Stem Cells: Engines of Plant Growth and Development. Hong L, Fletcher JC. Int J Mol Sci 24 14889 (2023)

Articles citing this publication (5)

  1. Wound-inducible WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 13 is required for callus growth and organ reconnection. Ikeuchi M, Iwase A, Ito T, Tanaka H, Favero DS, Kawamura A, Sakamoto S, Wakazaki M, Tameshige T, Fujii H, Hashimoto N, Suzuki T, Hotta K, Toyooka K, Mitsuda N, Sugimoto K. Plant Physiol 188 425-441 (2022)
  2. De novo stem cell establishment in meristems requires repression of organ boundary cell fate. Nicolas A, Maugarny-Calès A, Adroher B, Chelysheva L, Li Y, Burguet J, Bågman AM, Smit ME, Brady SM, Li Y, Laufs P. Plant Cell 34 4738-4759 (2022)
  3. Concentration-dependent transcriptional switching through a collective action of cis-elements. Rodriguez K, Do A, Senay-Aras B, Perales M, Alber M, Chen W, Reddy GV. Sci Adv 8 eabo6157 (2022)
  4. Structure of the unique tetrameric STENOFOLIA homeodomain bound with target promoter DNA. Pathak PK, Zhang F, Peng S, Niu L, Chaturvedi J, Elliott J, Xiang Y, Tadege M, Deng J. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 77 1050-1063 (2021)
  5. The NGATHA-like Genes DPA4 and SOD7 Are Not Required for Stem Cell Specification during Embryo Development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Nicolas A, Laufs P. Int J Mol Sci 23 12007 (2022)


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