High impact information on FUS3

• Previous studies have shown that recessive mutations at the Arabidopsis ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3), FUSCA3 (FUS3), and LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) loci lead to various abnormalities during mid-embryogenesis and late embryogenesis [1].
• In the fus3/lec mutants, however, cell division in both the embryo and endosperm is not arrested, but rather is prolonged throughout seed maturation [2].
• Embryonic regulators LEC2 (LEAFY COTYLEDON2) and FUS3 (FUSCA3) are involved in multiple aspects of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed development, including repression of leaf traits and premature germination and activation of seed storage protein genes [3].
• Finally, we show that the FUS3 protein physically interacts with two RY elements (CATGCATG) present in the AtGA3ox2 promoter [3].
• The FUS3 transcription factor functions through the epidermal regulator TTG1 during embryogenesis in Arabidopsis [4].

Biological context of FUS3

• Conditionally lethal mutant alleles of the FUSCA3 (FUS3) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana are specifically defective in the gene expression program responsible for seed maturation [5].
• While a deletion between B3 and the C-terminus of the predicted polypeptide was found in conjunction with normal FUS3 function, another deletion located within the conserved B3 domain (as well as truncations therein) were associated with the Fus3- phenotype [5].
• Transcripts of abnormal sizes were observed in fus3 mutants due to aberrant splicing caused by point mutations at intron termini [5].

Associations of FUS3 with chemical compounds

• This suggested the involvement of an indirect mechanism requiring the ABA- and FUS3-dependent synthesis of intermediate regulatory factor(s) [6].
• We also show that FUS3 expression is influenced by the patterning hormone, auxin, and therefore acts as a nexus of hormone action during embryogenesis [7].

Regulatory relationships of FUS3

• This ABA dependency of FUS3-induced CRC and At2S3 expression was similar to that observed for ABI3 [6].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of FUS3

• Sequence analysis of mutant and wild-type FUS3 alleles, as well as sequencing of fus3 cDNAs, revealed small inframe deletions at two different sites of the coding region [5].
• The expression of both genes is affected by the fus3, lec1 and abi3 mutations causing pleiotropic defects during late embryogenesis and seed maturation including the loss of dormancy and desiccation tolerance [8].

References