Revisiting AGAMOUS-LIKE15, a Key Somatic Embryogenesis Regulator, using Next Generation Sequencing Analysis in Arabidopsis

AGAMOUS like 15 AGL15 is a member of the MADS domain transcription factor TF family. MADS proteins are named for a conserved domain that was originally from an acronym derived from genes expressed in a variety of eukaryotes. In plants, this family has expanded greatly, with more than one hundred members generally found in dicots, and the proteins encoded by these genes have often been associated with developmental identity. AGL15 is expressed primarily in embryos and has been found to promote an important process called plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis SE. To understand how this TF performs this function, we have previously used microarray technologies to assess direct and indirect responsive targets of this TF. We have now revisited this question using next-generation sequencing NGS to both characterize in vivo binding sites for AGL15, as well as respond to the accumulation of AGL15. We have compared this data to the prior microarray results to evaluate the different platforms. The new NGS brought to light an interaction with brassinosteroid BR hormone signaling that was missed in prior gene ontology analysis from the microarray studies.