Investigation of MADS domain transcription factor dynamics in the floral meristem

Abstract

To study the importance of intercellular transport for MADS domain transcription factor functioning during floral development, we analyzed the dynamic behavior of fluorescentlytagged MADS domain proteins in transgenic plants by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. These analyses, described in a recent paper in ThePlant Journal, provided proof for previous suggestions that the Arabidopsis thaliana C-type protein AGAMOUS has a non-cell-autonomous role in floral meristem integrity. Furthermore, it indicated a possible non-cell-autonomous role for the B-type proteins APETALA3 and PISTILLATA and the E-type protein SEPALLATA3, through lateral intercellular movement in the floral meristem. In this addendum we compare some of the available fluorescent protein-based technologies for the investigation of transcription factor movements and dynamics. copy; 2010 Landes Bioscience.