Characterization of the transcription factor ANAC058 and its role in suberin regulation

Abstract

The hydrophobic polymer suberin is present in plant roots. Its biosynthesis and composition is of importance for tolerance towards environmental stresses. In the model plant <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> transcription factors involved in suberin regulation are subject to recent research. In this work the transcription factor <em>ANAC058</em> was investigated in detail. Expression analysis and promoter reporter construct experiments indicate temporal and spatial correlation with suberin deposition. Gene knock-out, knock-down and induced overexpression revealed changes in suberin deposition and in expression of suberin-associated genes as well as various transcription factors. Decreased amounts of suberin due to gene knock-down correlated with increased abiotic stress sensitivity. Absence of phenotypic effects under specific overexpression conditions suggests a complex regulation network.