Characterization of the role of several COPI complex isoforms during the early acceptance of compatible pollen grains inArabidopsis thaliana

COPI is a seven subunit coatomer complex, consisting of α, β, β′, γ, δ, ε, and ξ; in A. thaliana , COPI is necessary for retrograde transport from the Golgi to the Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi maintenance, and cell-plate formation in plant cells. Vesicle recruitment to the pollen contact point is required for pollen hydration and pollen tube penetration. To determine what other aspects of trafficking may be involved in the stigmatic papillae acceptance of compatible pollen, knock-out lines of several isoforms of the COPI complex were characterized in their roles during compatible pollination. Isoforms that were studied included α1-COPI, β-COPI, β′-COPI, γ-COPI and ε-COPI. Each mutant line was characterized in regards to pollen grain adherence, pollen tube penetration, and seed set. Of the mutant lines examined, α1-copi had the strongest phenotype with issues with compatible pollen grain adherence, tube germination and reduction in seed set while other lines had milder but visible retardation in compatible pollen acceptance. The data presented here are the first study of the role of the COPI complex in compatible pollinations and that certain subunit isoforms are required for compatible pollen acceptance.