No DREAM, fewer offspring: Protein complex may play key role in plant fertility
Researchers have discovered that the DREAM protein complex is essential for plant fertility in thale cress by regulating gene expression during meiosis. This finding suggests an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for reproduction that may exist across various species.
Why it matters
Understanding the genetic regulation of fertility could lead to advancements in agricultural productivity and a deeper understanding of reproductive biology.
by Institute of Science and Technology Austria
edited by Swati Mestri , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add to Preferred Sources Growing Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress). The DREAM complex might play a key role in the plant's fertility, according to new research published in Science Advances . Credit: ISTA A protein complex known as DREAM that normally puts the brakes on genes may also be crucial for reproduction in plants, according to new research published in Science Advances .
In thale cress, DREAM appears to switch on genes during meiosis that are important for the exchange of genetic material. But when the complex is missing, reproductive development becomes defective and fertility is severely reduced.
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