bpl-201802-0007 ArticleInAPeriodical 2018 Biologia plantarum 62 2 https://bp.ueb.cas.cz/artkey/bpl-201802-0007.php https://doi.org/10.1007/s10535-018-0783-6 261-268 RojasH. J. CaspaniC. EscobarE. G. QuirogaR. GoldraijA. NaPi/S_X-RNase segregates as a functional S-RNase and is induced under phosphate deficiency in Nicotiana alata 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_x-RNase, which works both in self-incompatibility and in response to phosphate deficiency. The NaPi/S_x-RNase gene was identified in roots of Nicotiana alata grown in the absence of inorganic phosphate. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NaPi/S_x-RNase was included within the class III RNase T2 group. The NaPi/S_x-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_x-RNase and S₁₀₇-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_x-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_x-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.