A single homeobox gene triggers phase transition, embryogenesis and asexual reproduction
Horst NA, Katz A, Pereman I, Decker EL, Ohad R, Reski R
18.01.2016 Horst NA, Katz A, Pereman I, Decker EL, Ohad R, Reski R Nat Plants 2016; doi:10.1038/nplants.2015.209 Embryogenesis starts upon fusion of sperm and egg cell. The homeobox gene BELL1 is the first identified master regulator for embryo development in plants, animals or humans. It initiates a signalling network leading to embryo formation without fertilization in the moss Physcomitrella patens. This discovery provides mechanistic insights into plant evolution, supports the concept of genetic master regulators, and may help to revolutionize agriculture. Image: Regular haploid leafy Physcomitrella plantlet (left) and ectopic sporophytes derived from asexually developed embryos (right). 