Identification of the TaBTF3 gene in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the effect of its silencing on wheat chloroplast, mitochondria and mesophyll cell development

The full-length cDNA (882 bp) and DNA (1742 bp) sequences encoding a basic transcription factor 3, designated as TaBTF3, were first isolated from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Subcellular localization studies revealed that the TaBTF3 protein was mainly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus. In TaBTF3-silenced transgenic wheat seedlings obtained using the Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) method, the chlorophyll pigment content was markedly reduced. However, the malonaldehyde (MDA) and H2O2 contents were enhanced, and the structure of the wheat mesophyll cell was seriously damaged. Furthermore, transcripts of the chloroplast- and mitochondrial-encoded genes were significantly reduced in TaBTF3-silenced transgenic wheat plants. These results suggest that the TaBTF3 gene might function in the development of the wheat chloroplast, mitochondria and mesophyll cell. This paper is the first report to describe the involvement of TaBTF3 in maintaining the normal plant mesophyll cell structure.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► TaBTF3 gene was first isolated from common wheat. ► Functional analysis of the TaBTF3 in wheat using BSMV-VIGS. ► Silencing of TaBTF3 reduced chlorophyll content, but increased MDA and H2O2 content. ► Silencing of TaBTF3 affected the integrity of chloroplast and mitochondria. ► Silencing of TaBTF3 damaged the mesophyll cell structure.