Molecular basis of the key regulator WRINKLED1 in plant oil biosynthesis

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq1211
• Publication Date: 2022-08-24T17:57:32Z
• Authors: Zhu Qiao; Que Kong; Wan Ting Tee; Audrey R. Q. Lim; Miao Xuan Teo; Vincent Olieric; Pui Man Low; Yuzhou Yang; Guoliang Qian; Wei Ma; Yong-Gui Gao
• Keywords: Antiparallel (mathematics); Transcription

Vegetable oils are not only major components of human diet but also vital for industrial applications. WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is a pivotal transcription factor governing plant oil biosynthesis, the underlying DNA-binding mechanism remains incompletely understood. Here, we resolved structure Arabidopsis WRI1 (AtWRI1) with its cognate double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), revealing two antiparallel β sheets in tandem AP2 domains that intercalate into adjacent grooves dsDNA to determine sequence recognition specificity. We showed AtWRI1 represented previously unidentified structural fold and mode. Mutations key residues interacting element affected binding affinity biosynthesis when these variants were transiently expressed tobacco leaves. Seed content was enhanced stable transgenic wri1-1 expressing an variant (W74R). Together, our findings offer basis explaining suggest alternative strategy increase yield crops through bioengineering.