Endosperm Transfer Cell-specific Genes and Proteins: Structure, Function and Applications in Biotechnology

Overview

Journal Front Plant Sci

Date 2014 Mar 1

PMID 24578704

Citations 12

Authors

Sergiy Lopato

Nikolai Borisjuk

Peter Langridge

Maria Hrmova

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Endosperm transfer cells (ETC) are one of four main types of cells in endosperm. A characteristic feature of ETC is the presence of cell wall in-growths that create an enlarged plasma membrane surface area. This specialized cell structure is important for the specific function of ETC, which is to transfer nutrients from maternal vascular tissue to endosperm. ETC-specific genes are of particular interest to plant biotechnologists, who use genetic engineering to improve grain quality and yield characteristics of important field crops. The success of molecular biology-based approaches to manipulating ETC function is dependent on a thorough understanding of the functions of ETC-specific genes and ETC-specific promoters. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing data on structure and function of ETC-specific genes and their products. Potential applications of ETC-specific genes, and in particular their promoters for biotechnology will be discussed.

Citing Articles

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