Cell wall‐mediated maternal control of apical–basal patterning of the kelp Undaria pinnatifida

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.19953
• Publication Date: 2024-07-10T11:29:15Z
• Authors: Eloise Dries; Yannick Meyers; Daniel Liesner; Floriele M. Gonzaga; Jakob F. M. Becker; Eliane E. Zakka; Tom Beeckman; Susana M. Coelho; Olivier De Clerck; Kenny A. Bogaert
• Keywords: Apical cell; Egg cell; Live cell imaging

Summary The role of maternal tissue in embryogenesis remains enigmatic many complex organisms. Here, we investigate the contribution to apical–basal patterning kelp embryo. Focussing on Undaria pinnatifida , studied effects detachment from using microsurgery, staining cell wall modifications, morphometric measurements, flow cytometry, genotyping and a modified fertilisation protocol synchronising embryogenesis. Detached embryos are rounder often show aberrant morphologies. When part oogonial attached zygote, is rescued. Furthermore, absence contact with increases parthenogenesis, highlighting critical signals initial stages development. These results key for connection kelps. This observation reminiscent another brown alga, Fucus where directs fate. Our findings suggest conserved mechanism across phylogenetically distant oogamous lineages, localised secretion sulphated F2 fucans mediates establishment polarity. In this model, basal fate determination by providing an extrinsic cue future