KAI2-dependent signaling controls vegetative reproduction in Marchantia polymorpha through activation of LOG-mediated cytokinin synthesis (14)

Aino Komatsu, Mizuki Fujibayashi, Kazato Kumagai, Hidemasa Suzuki, Yuki Hata, Yumiko Takebayashi, Mikiko Kojima, Hitoshi Sakakibara and Junko Kyozuka ()
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Aino Komatsu: Tohoku University
Mizuki Fujibayashi: Tohoku University
Kazato Kumagai: Tohoku University
Hidemasa Suzuki: Tohoku University
Yuki Hata: Tohoku University
Yumiko Takebayashi: RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
Mikiko Kojima: RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
Hitoshi Sakakibara: RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
Junko Kyozuka: Tohoku University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Marchantia polymorpha reproduces vegetatively (asexually) by producing propagules known as gemmae within gemma cups and sexually through spores. We previously reported that KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2)-dependent signaling promotes gemma cup and gemma formation. KAI2A perceives unidentified endogenous ligand(s), tentatively referred to as KAI2 ligands (KL). Perception of KL by KAI2 triggers MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2)-dependent proteolysis of MpSUPPRESSOR of MORE AXILLALRY GROWTH2 1-LIKE (MpSMXL). In this study, we identify genes working downstream of KAI2-dependent signaling in M. polymorpha. We find that KAI2-dependent signaling positively controls the expression of MpLONELY GUY (MpLOG), encoding a cytokinin biosynthesis enzyme. Disruption of the MpLOG function decreases endogenous cytokinin levels and causes defects similar to KAI2-dependent signaling mutants. Moreover, supplying exogenous cytokinins rescues the defects of Mplog and KAI2-dependent signaling mutants, implying that cytokinins work downstream of KAI2-dependent signaling. Activation of MpLOG by KAI2-dependent signaling occurs in a highly cell-type-specific manner, leading to cell-specific induction of GEMMA CUP-ASSOCIATED MYB1 (GCAM1), the master regulator of vegetative reproduction of M. polymorpha. We propose a genetic cascade, starting from KAI2-dependent signaling, that promotes vegetative reproduction through the induction of MpLOG and GCAM1. The interaction between KAI2-dependent signaling and cytokinin in M. polymorpha provides insights into the function and evolution of KAI2-dependent signaling.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55728-3

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