Cleistogamy is a type of self-pollination that relies on the formation of a stigma-enclosing floral structure. We identify three homeodomain-leucine zipper IV (HD-Zip IV) genes that coordinately promote the formation of interlocking trichomes at the anther margin to unite neighboring anthers, generating a closed anther cone and cleistogamy (flower morphology necessitating strict self-pollination). These HD-Zip IV genes also control style length by regulating the transition from cell division to endoreduplication. The expression of these HD-Zip IV genes and their downstream gene, Style 2.1 , was sequentially modified to shape the cleistogamy morphology during tomato evolution and domestication. Our results provide insights into the molecular basis of cleistogamy in modern tomato and suggest targets for improving fruit set and preventing pollen contamination in genetically modified crops.

中文翻译：

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HD-Zip 蛋白改变番茄自花授粉的花结构

闭花授粉是一种自花授粉，依赖于柱头封闭花结构的形成。我们鉴定了三个同源域-亮氨酸拉链 IV (HD-Zip IV) 基因，它们协调促进花药边缘互锁毛状体的形成，以将邻近的花药结合在一起，产生闭合的花药锥和闭锁受精（花形态需要严格的自花授粉）。这些 HD-Zip IV 基因还通过调节从细胞分裂到核内复制的转变来控制花柱长度。这些 HD-Zip IV 基因及其下游基因的表达，款式2.1，在番茄进化和驯化过程中被相继修改以形成闭锁受精形态。我们的研究结果提供了对现代番茄闭锁受精的分子基础的见解，并提出了改善转基因作物坐果和防止花粉污染的目标。