Linking gene expression to unilateral pollen-pistil reproductive barriers

摘要: Unilateral incompatibility (UI) is an asymmetric reproductive barrier that unidirectionally prevents gene flow between species and/or populations. UI characterized by a compatible interaction partners in one direction, but the reciprocal cross fertilization fails, generally due to pollen tube rejection pistil. Although has long been observed crosses different species, underlying molecular mechanisms are only beginning be characterized. The wild tomato relative Solanum habrochaites provides unique study system investigate basis of this barrier, as populations within exhibit both interspecific and interpopulation UI. Here we used transcriptomic approach identify genes pistil tissues may probable key players We confirmed at pollen-pistil level self-incompatible population self-compatible S. habrochaites. A comparison expression pollinated styles exhibiting response unpollinated controls revealed small number differentially expressed transcripts. Many more differences transcript profiles were identified UI-competent versus UI-compromised tissues. intriguing candidate highly expressed, including putative arabinogalactan protein, stylar Kunitz family protease inhibitor, peptide hormone Rapid Alkalinization Factor. These results also provide evidence fundamental processes reactive oxygen signaling likely interactions species. Our analyses highlighted specific genes, those ROS pathways warrant further investigations To our knowledge, first report involved unilateral barriers same