At least four genetic pathways regulate flowering time in Arabidopsis. The establishment and maintenance of gene expression patterns, in part through chromatin modification events, contributes to the coordination of complex genetic networks and thus to the control of flowering. The ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complex SWR1C - which catalyses H2A replacement with the H2AZ variant - has been characterised in yeast and mammals, and recent studies have hinted that SWR1C homologues also exist in plants. Now Choi et al. (p. 1931) provide further evidence of this with their study of potential Arabidopsis SWR1C homologues, such as AtSWC6 and SUF3. They show that mutations in these genes generate similar phenotypes, such as extra petals and early flowering. Furthermore, these proteins form a complex and both AtSWC6 and SUF3 bind to the promoter of the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C. Together, these findings show that an SWR1C-like complex is likely to exist in Arabidopsis that regulates diverse aspects of plant development, and not just flowering.
Flowering: silencing gets complex
Flowering: silencing gets complex. Development 15 May 2007; 134 (10): e1003. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
The Forest of Biologists

The Forest of Biologists is a biodiversity initiative created by The Company of Biologists, with support from the Woodland Trust. For every Research and Review article published in Development a native tree is planted in a UK forest. In addition to this we are protecting and restoring ancient woodland and are dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers. Visit our virtual forest to learn more.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025

Do you have an idea for a Workshop? We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
Development presents… Outstanding Paper Prize Finalists

On Wednesday 19 April, Development hosted a webinar celebrating the finalists for Development’s Inaugural Outstanding Paper Prize. The talks and Q&As were hosted by our Deputy Editor, Steve Wilson (UCL).
Development Journal Meeting 2023

The Abstract deadline for our 2023 Journal Meeting ‘Unconventional and Emerging Experimental Organisms in Cell and Developmental Biology’ is 23 June 2023. Find out more and apply here
Keeping up with the Node

Thirteen years on from its launch, the Node continues to be a place to share research stories, opinions, job adverts and event listings. Development have published a recent Editorial reviewing some of our most popular features, as well as introducing some new initiatives.