Fig. 5: MtUFO functions downstream of the PINNA1-MtKNOX7 complex.

a Schematic representation of a reporter and an effector for DLR assay. The LUC (Firefly luciferase) was under the control of the MtUFO promoters (proMtUFO) as the reporter, while the REN (Renilla luciferase) was under the control of the CaMV35S promoter (35Spro) as the internal control. b A DLR assay indicated that the promoter of MtUFO was significantly activated by a GR-tagged MtKNOX7 when it was treated with dexamethasone (DEX). Data represent mean ± SD (n = 4 biological replicates). c EMSA assay showed that MtKNOX7-HIS fusion protein directly binds to the probe of the MtUFO promoter containing the TGACTTGAC cis-element. The arrow indicates the shifted bands. Similar results were obtained from three independent experiments. d ChIP-qPCR assays of the MtKNOX7-GFP protein binding to the promoter of MtUFO. Data represent enrichment values normalized to MtUBIQUITIN. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3 biological replicates). e A DLR assay in tobacco cells showed that the PINNA1-MtKNOX7 complex represses the MtKNOX7-mediated activation of MtUFO transcription. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3 biological replicates). f The expression levels of MtUFO in the shoot apices of WT and 35S:MtKNOX7 were determined by qRT-PCR. MtUBIQUITIN was used as the internal control. Data represent mean ± SD (n = 3 biological replicates). g, h Representative leaves of 35S:MtKNOX7-GFP (g) and 35S:MtKNOX7-GFP mtufo-1 plants (h). P values in (b, d, f) were calculated by unpaired two-tailed t-test, while those in (e) were evaluated by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. Scale bars, 5 mm in (g, h). Source data are provided as a Source Data file.