Analysis of a novel organelle transference and degradation during the pollen formation process

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K06728
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44040:Morphology and anatomical structure-related
• Research Institution: Japan Women's University
• Principal Investigator: NAGATA Noriko 日本女子大学, 理学部, 教授 (40311352)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 電子顕微鏡 / 花粉 / タペータム / 雄原細胞 / 精細胞 / オルガネラ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We focused on organelle transference and degradation during the pollen formation process. Detailed wide-range and three-dimensional images were obtained using electron microscopy, and the following results were obtained.
1) We found accumulation of lipid bodies around generative/sperm cells and a novel microlipophagy; 2) Using sporopollenin biosynthesis-deficient mutants, we showed the details of the process of sporopollenin release from tapetum and its function; 3) We captured the process of pollen coat formation from lipidic organelles within tapetum; 4) We found that in tapetum, there is close contact between the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and the plastid envelope.

Free Research Field

植物細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

植物の花粉形成過程には細胞をまたいだ種々のオルガネラ授受・分解現象が存在し、これは動物には見られないユニークなものである。本研究は、植物に秘められた高度なオルガネラ制御機構の実体に迫るものである。さらに本研究は、広域及び三次元の電子顕微鏡技法を駆使することにより、細胞をまたぐような広範囲での現象を捉えることに成功した。これは異分野にも応用可能な本技術の有効性を示すものといえる。