Biotech Updates

Manipulation of Flowering Time via Overexpression of SlZFP2 Transcription Factor in Tomato

July 6, 2016

Flowering of higher plants is controlled by complex networks of signaling. In Arabidopsis, transcription of the flowering integrator gene FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is regulated by more than ten transcription factors. However, very little is known about the transcriptional regulation of the FT homolog SINGLE FLOWER TRUESS (SFT) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

Previous studies revealed that overexpression of zinc finger transcription factor SlZFP2 affected flowering and branching in tomato. Lin Weng of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in China characterized in detail the early flowering and high branching phenotypes produced by the overexpression of this transcription factor.

Overexpression of SlZFP2 elevated SFT expression in leaves as well as its binding ability to its promoter, which resulted in accelerated SFT-dependent flowering. Further analysis of the overexpressing plants also revealed that overexpression SlZFP2 affected shoot apical dominance through multiple regulatory pathways.

The results of this study can be used in genetic modification of plant architecture and flowering time for tomato as well as other crops.

For more on thi promising study, read the article in Plant Biotechnology Journal.