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EMBRYONIC MADS FACTOR DELAYS SENESCENCE OF PERIANTH

The MADS domain proteins constitute a large family of eukaryotic transcription factors, many of which function as homeotic regulators to orchestrate organ development. In plants, MADS domain proteins have been predominantly associated with flower development. AGL15 (for AGAMOUS-like) is a MADS domain protein in Arabidopsis that is distinct in being expressed preferentially within the developing embryo. On pages 183­197 of this issue, Fernandez et al. report that AGL15 is also transcribed in certain postembryonic tissues; transient expression of the gene occurs, for example, in floral buds. When AGL15 is placed under the control of the constitutive promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S gene, developmental processes related to flowering are delayed. The cover shows the striking phenotype that results when AGL15 is constitutively expressed in combination with a mutation that confers insensitivity to ethylene. The inhibition of floral senescence and abscission results in the retention of sepals and petals throughout most of the period of fruit development.
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