A RALF-like peptide EaF82 derived from Epipremnum aureum inhibits pollen development in Arabidopsis and tobacco

To investigate the function of previously cloned novel cysteine-rich peptide EaF82 which biochemical properties are similar to the Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF), we overexpressed EaF82 gene in Arabidopsis and found defects only in the pollen development. To further determine the affected genes and biological pathways, we compared the transcriptome profilings of two independent Arabidopsis EaF82 overexpressing lines (TA and TB) with that of the vector control line (C). The RNAseq analysis results revealed decreased expressions of five endogenous clade IV AtRALFs and genes responsible for cell wall modifications and pollen maturation, supporting the observed pollen abortion. The clusters of unopened flower buds of two indepentdent transgenic lines overexpressing EaF82, named TA and TB, and one control line expressing vector contruct, named C, were examined. Each line has three biological replicate samples randomly collected from 36 subline plants.