The APAF1_C/WD40 repeat domain-encoding gene from the sea lettuce Ulva mutabilis sheds light on the evolution of NB-ARC domain-containing proteins in green plants

• DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03851-0
• Publication Date: 2022-03-02T15:02:31Z
• Authors: Michiel Kwantes; Thomas Wichard
• Keywords: Ankyrin repeat; Physcomitrella patens; Subfamily

Abstract Main conclusion We advance Ulva ’s genetic tractability and highlight its value as a model organism by characterizing APAF1_C/WD40 domain-encoding gene, which belongs to family that bears homology R genes. The multicellular chlorophyte alga mutabilis (Ulvophyceae, Ulvales) is native coastal ecosystems worldwide attracts both high socio-economic scientific interest. To further understand the mechanisms guide biology, we present protocol, based on adapter ligation-mediated PCR, for retrieving flanking sequences in U. vector-insertion mutants. In created insertional library, identified null mutant with an insertion apoptotic protease activating factor 1 helical domain (APAF1_C)/WD40 repeat gene. Protein architecture analysis combined phylogenetic revealed this gene member of subfamily arose early evolution green plants (Viridiplantae) through acquisition also encoded N-terminal nucleotide-binding adaptor shared APAF-1, certain R-gene products CED-4 (NB-ARC) winged helix-like (WH-like) DNA-binding domains. Although phenotypic no phenotype, expression levels control correlated presence bacterial symbionts, requires proper morphogenesis. addition, our led discovery putative site leucine-rich (NBS-LRR) Resistance protein (R-protein), discuss how emergence these proteins may be linked subfamily.