Biotech Updates

DUF642 Proteins Involved in Seed Germination in Arabidopsis

December 10, 2014

DUF642 proteins are said to be involved in seed development and germination processes. Previous studies have revealed that DUF642 proteins from At4g32460 and At5g11420 genes interact with pectin methyl esterase 3 (AtPME3), which are involved in plant development and seed germination. Alicia Gamboa-deBuen from Ciudad Universitaria in Mexico evaluated the function of the At4g32460 and determined its relation to PME activity.

DUF642 proteins encoded by At4g32460 and At5g11420 genes could be positive regulators of PME activity during several developmental processes. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing the proteins showed increased PME activity during seed germination, and improved seed germination while plants expressing At4g32460 antisense RNA had decreased PME activity.

These results suggest that the DUF642 family contributes to the methylesterification process by regulating PME during plant development.

For more information, read the full article here: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/s12870-014-0338-8.pdf