Transcription Factor DOF4.1 Regulates Seed Longevity in Arabidopsis Seed Permeability and Modulation of Seed Storage Protein Accumulation.

Seed longevity is modulated by multiple genetic factors in . A previous genome-wide association study using the Elevated Partial Pressure of Oxygen (EPPO) aging assay pinpointed a genetic locus associated with this trait. Reverse genetics identified the transcription factor DOF4.1 as a novel seed longevity factor. loss-of-function plants generate seeds exhibiting higher germination after accelerated aging assays. DOF4.1 is expressed during seed development and RNAseq data show several putative factors that could contribute to the seed longevity phenotype. has reduced seed permeability and a higher levels of seed storage proteins mRNAs (cruciferins and napins) in developing seeds, as compared to wild-type seeds. It has been reported that mutant lines defective in cruciferins or napins present reduced seed longevity. The improved longevity of is totally lost in the quadruple mutant , but not in a line depleted of napins, suggesting a prominent role for cruciferins in this process. Moreover, a negative regulation of expression by the transcription factor DOF1.8 is suggested by co-inoculation assays in . Indeed, expression anticorrelates with that of during seed development. In summary, modulation of DOF4.1 levels during seed development contributes to regulate seed longevity.