Reproduction Multitasking: The Male Gametophyte

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Said Hafidh ◽  
David Honys
Keyword(s):  
Male Gametophyte ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Pollen Grain ◽  
Wall Structure ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Developmental Phase ◽  
Double Fertilization ◽  
Male Gametes

The gametophyte represents the sexual phase in the alternation of generations in plants; the other, nonsexual phase is the sporophyte. Here, we review the evolutionary origins of the male gametophyte among land plants and, in particular, its ontogenesis in flowering plants. The highly reduced male gametophyte of angiosperm plants is a two- or three-celled pollen grain. Its task is the production of two male gametes and their transport to the female gametophyte, the embryo sac, where double fertilization takes place. We describe two phases of pollen ontogenesis—a developmental phase leading to the differentiation of the male germline and the formation of a mature pollen grain and a functional phase representing the pollen tube growth, beginning with the landing of the pollen grain on the stigma and ending with double fertilization. We highlight recent advances in the complex regulatory mechanisms involved, including posttranscriptional regulation and transcript storage, intracellular metabolic signaling, pollen cell wall structure and synthesis, protein secretion, and phased cell–cell communication within the reproductive tissues. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Plant Biology, Volume 72 is May 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals Recent advances in understanding female gametophyte development

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra J Skinner ◽  
Venkatesan Sundaresan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Female Gametophyte ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Egg Cell ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Reproductive Unit ◽  
Genetic Mechanisms ◽  
Female Gametophyte Development

The haploid female gametophyte (embryo sac) is an essential reproductive unit of flowering plants, usually comprising four specialized cell types, including the female gametes (egg cell and central cell). The differentiation of these cells relies on spatial signals which pattern the gametophyte along a proximal-distal axis, but the molecular and genetic mechanisms by which cell identities are determined in the embryo sac have long been a mystery. Recent identification of key genes for cell fate specification and their relationship to hormonal signaling pathways that act on positional cues has provided new insights into these processes. A model for differentiation can be devised with egg cell fate as a default state of the female gametophyte and with other cell types specified by the action of spatially regulated factors. Cell-to-cell communication within the gametophyte is also important for maintaining cell identity as well as facilitating fertilization of the female gametes by the male gametes (sperm cells).

Receptor-Ribosome Coupling: A Link Between Extrinsic Signals and mRNA Translation in Neuronal Compartments

2022 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Koppers ◽  
Christine E. Holt
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Spatiotemporal Resolution

Axons receive extracellular signals that help to guide growth and synapse formation during development and to maintain neuronal function and survival during maturity. These signals relay information via cell surface receptors that can initiate local intracellular signaling at the site of binding, including local messenger RNA (mRNA) translation. Direct coupling of translational machinery to receptors provides an attractive way to activate this local mRNA translation and change the local proteome with high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we first discuss the increasing evidence that different external stimuli trigger translation of specific subsets of mRNAs in axons via receptors and thus play a prominent role in various processes in both developing and mature neurons. We then discuss the receptor-mediated molecular mechanisms that regulate local mRNA translational with a focus on direct receptor-ribosome coupling. We advance the idea that receptor-ribosome coupling provides several advantages over other translational regulation mechanisms and is a common mechanism in cell communication. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience, Volume 45 is July 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals Double fertilization in maize: the two male gametes from a pollen grain have the ability to fuse with egg cells

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1051-1062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Emmanuel Faure ◽  
Maxine Losoff Rusche ◽  
Annie Thomas ◽  
Paul Keim ◽  
Christian Dumas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Grain ◽  
Double Fertilization ◽  
Male Gametes

scholarly journals Morphological Features of the Anther Development in Tomato Plants with Non-Specific Male Sterility

Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inna A. Chaban ◽  
Neonila V. Kononenko ◽  
Alexander A. Gulevich ◽  
Liliya R. Bogoutdinova ◽  
Marat R. Khaliluev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transgenic Plants ◽  
Male Sterility ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Asymmetric Cell Division ◽  
Male Gametophyte ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Pollen Grain ◽  
Parthenocarpic Fruit ◽  
Tomato Plants ◽  
Transgenic Tomato Plants

The study was devoted to morphological and cytoembryological analysis of disorders in the anther and pollen development of transgenic tomato plants with a normal and abnormal phenotype, which is characterized by the impaired development of generative organs. Various abnormalities in the structural organization of anthers and microspores were revealed. Such abnormalities in microspores lead to the blocking of asymmetric cell division and, accordingly, the male gametophyte formation. Some of the non-degenerated microspores accumulate a large number of storage inclusions, forming sterile mononuclear pseudo-pollen, which is similar in size and appearance to fertile pollen grain (looks like pollen grain). It was discussed that the growth of tapetal cells in abnormal anthers by increasing the size and ploidy level of nuclei contributes to this process. It has been shown that in transgenic plants with a normal phenotype, individual disturbances are also observed in the development of both male and female gametophytes. The reason for the developmental arrest of some ovules was the death of endosperm at different stages of the globular embryo. At the same time, noticeable hypertrophy of endothelial cells performing a secretory function was observed. In the ovules of transgenic plants with abnormalities, the endothelium forms a pseudo-embryo instead of the embryo sac, stimulating the development of parthenocarpic fruits. The data obtained in this study can be useful for a better understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of cytoplasmic male sterility and parthenocarpic fruit development in tomatoes.

Quorum Sensing in Fungal Species

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuyun Tian ◽  
Hao Ding ◽  
Weixin Ke ◽  
Linqi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Fungal Biology ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Important Direction

Quorum sensing (QS) is one of the most studied cell-cell communication mechanisms in fungi. Research in the last 20 years has explored various fungal QS systems that are involved in a wide range of biological processes, especially eukaryote- or fungus-specific behaviors, mirroring the significant contribution of QS regulation to fungal biology and evolution. Based on recent progress, we summarize in this review fungal QS regulation, with an emphasis on its functional role in behaviors unique to fungi or eukaryotes. We suggest that using fungi as genetically amenable eukaryotic model systems to address why and how QS regulation is integrated into eukaryotic reproductive strategies and molecular or cellular processes could be an important direction for QS research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals The Long Journey of Pollen Tube in the Pistil

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 3529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang-Yang Zheng ◽  
Xian-Ju Lin ◽  
Hui-Min Liang ◽  
Fang-Fei Wang ◽  
Li-Yu Chen
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Tube ◽  
Female Gametophyte ◽  
Male Gametophyte ◽  
Pollen Grain ◽  
Tubular Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Double Fertilization ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Pass Through

In non-cleistogamous plants, the male gametophyte, the pollen grain is immotile and exploits various agents, such as pollinators, wind, and even water, to arrive to a receptive stigma. The complex process of pollination involves a tubular structure, i.e., the pollen tube, which delivers the two sperm cells to the female gametophyte to enable double fertilization. The pollen tube has to penetrate the stigma, grow in the style tissues, pass through the septum, grow along the funiculus, and navigate to the micropyle of the ovule. It is a long journey for the pollen tube and its two sperm cells before they meet the female gametophyte, and it requires very accurate regulation to perform successful fertilization. In this review, we update the knowledge of molecular dialogues of pollen-pistil interaction, especially the progress of pollen tube activation and guidance, and give perspectives for future research.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles: From Discovery to Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana G. Sartorio ◽  
Evan J. Pardue ◽  
Mario F. Feldman ◽  
M. Florencia Haurat
Keyword(s):  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Outer Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Cellular Components

Secretion of cellular components across the plasma membrane is an essential process that enables organisms to interact with their environments. Production of extracellular vesicles in bacteria is a well-documented but poorly understood process. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced in gram-negative bacteria by blebbing of the outer membrane. In addition to their roles in pathogenesis, cell-to-cell communication, and stress responses, OMVs play important roles in immunomodulation and the establishment and balance of the gut microbiota. In this review, we discuss the multiple roles of OMVs and the current knowledge of OMV biogenesis. We also discuss the growing and promising biotechnological applications of OMV. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Pollination in Arabidopsis Thaliana

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1180-1181
Author(s):  
K. Lennon ◽  
E. Lord
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Tube ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Pollen Grain ◽  
Secretory Cells ◽  
Higher Plant ◽  
Transmitting Tissue ◽  
Pollen Tube Guidance ◽  
Complex Processes ◽  
Communication Events

In flowering plants, pollination and the process of fertilization are complex processes involving a series of cell-to-cell communication events. Though details of the progression of the pollen tube through the pistil, beginning with germination of the pollen grain on the stigma and culminating with delivery of the sperm cells to the embryo sac, are well established for several higher plant species, the mechanisms involved have yet to be elucidated. It has been shown that the transmitting tissue, which coincides with the path of pollen tubes in the gynoecium, is composed of highly secretory cells characterized by an extensive extracellular matrix (ECM). The actual roles that this ECM plays in pollination are currently unknown, although functions proposed include mechanical and/or chemotropic pollen tube guidance as well as pollen tube nutrition.

Endogenous Retroviruses Drive Resistance and Promotion of Exogenous Retroviral Homologs

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliott S. Chiu ◽  
Sue VandeWoude
Keyword(s):  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Viral Evolution ◽  
Endogenous Retroviruses ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Self Tolerance ◽  
Vertebrate Hosts ◽  
Insight Into

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) serve as markers of ancient viral infections and provide invaluable insight into host and viral evolution. ERVs have been exapted to assist in performing basic biological functions, including placentation, immune modulation, and oncogenesis. A subset of ERVs share high nucleotide similarity to circulating horizontally transmitted exogenous retrovirus (XRV) progenitors. In these cases, ERV–XRV interactions have been documented and include ( a) recombination to result in ERV–XRV chimeras, ( b) ERV induction of immune self-tolerance to XRV antigens, ( c) ERV antigen interference with XRV receptor binding, and ( d) interactions resulting in both enhancement and restriction of XRV infections. Whereas the mechanisms governing recombination and immune self-tolerance have been partially determined, enhancement and restriction of XRV infection are virus specific and only partially understood. This review summarizes interactions between six unique ERV–XRV pairs, highlighting important ERV biological functions and potential evolutionary histories in vertebrate hosts. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 9 is February 16, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals Calcium: A Critical Factor in Pollen Germination and Tube Elongation

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ren Zheng ◽  
Shun Su ◽  
Hui Xiao ◽  
Hui Tian
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Ion ◽  
Pollen Germination ◽  
Higher Plants ◽  
Male Gametophyte ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Critical Element ◽  
Major Function ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Characteristics

Pollen is the male gametophyte of higher plants. Its major function is to deliver sperm cells to the ovule to ensure successful fertilization. During this process, many interactions occur among pollen tubes and pistil cells and tissues, and calcium ion (Ca2+) dynamics mediate these interactions among cells to ensure that pollen reaches the embryo sac. Although the precise functions of Ca2+ dynamics in the cells are unknown, we can speculate about its roles on the basis of its spatial and temporal characteristics during these interactions. The results of many studies indicate that calcium is a critical element that is strongly related to pollen germination and pollen tube growth.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document