PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Rojas, H. J.
AU  - Caspani, C.
AU  - Escobar, E. G.
AU  - Quiroga, R.
AU  - Goldraij, A.
TI  - NaPi/S<sub>X</sub>-RNase segregates as a functional S-RNase and is induced under phosphate deficiency in Nicotiana alata
DP  - 2018 Jun 1
TA  - Biologia plantarum
PG  - 261--268
VI  - 62
IP  - 2
AID - 10.1007/s10535-018-0783-6
IS  - 
AB  - In plants, class III T2 RNases involves two groups of structurally similar proteins, but with different biological functions: S-RNases and non-S-RNases. S-RNases have been involved in self-incompatibility whereas non-S-RNases have been implicated in stress responses. Here we report a novel class III RNase termed NaPi/S<sub>x</sub>-RNase, which works both in self-incompatibility and in response to phosphate deficiency. The NaPi/S<sub>x</sub>-RNase gene was identified in roots of Nicotiana alata grown in the absence of inorganic phosphate. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NaPi/S<sub>x</sub>-RNase was included within the class III RNase T2 group. The NaPi/S<sub>x</sub>-RNase was expressed in styles and its temporal expression increased in parallel to stylar development, with a slight decrease after anthesis. Progeny analysis showed that NaPi/S<sub>x</sub>-RNase and S<sub>107</sub>-RNase, a functional allele of the self-incompatibility system, segregated in a 1:1 ratio. The progeny segregation of a semicompatible cross, in which NaPi/S<sub>x</sub>-RNase was shared by the two parents, exhibited a pattern consistent with a functional S-RNase allele. Considering genetic segregation, primary structure, and physiological role, the NaPi/S<sub>x</sub>-RNase may be either an S-RNase with diversified functions or a non-S-RNase linked to the S-locus. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence for a specific function of the S-locus other than the self-incompatibility reaction. These results support the hypothesis that the self-incompatibility and stress responses may have evolved from a common origin.