Characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana Anther-Specific Caleosin

Anther and pollen development are important to plant reproduction processes. The floral bud of the model plant organism, Arabidopsis thaliana, consists of 6 anthers which encase copious amounts of pollen. Within the anther locules, nutrients are provided to pollen to support its development. This study aims to offer a deeper understanding of the role of anther caleosins in the Brassicaceae by investigating expression, localization, and putative function of the anther-specific caleosin (AT1G23240). Through the use of molecular and microscopy techniques, it was determined that AT1G23240 was expressed during late stage anther development, mainly within the endoplasmic reticulum and tapetosomes, and was also detected on the pollen coat of mature pollen. Understanding anther caleosin expression will help in determining its role in the overall plant reproduction process, possibly in pollen-stigma interactions, as well as its potential in biotechnological applications in regards to fertility within key crop kinds of the Brassicaceae family.