Mutant Name: fra3

Gene Name FRA3
Protein Name Inositol Polyphosphate 5-Phosphatase-Type II
Mutagen EMS
Category forward genetics
Organism Arabidopsis thaliana
Ecotype Col
Donor
General Description 1.The fra3 mutant was isolated based on its reduced fiber strength phenotype.
2.Anatomical examination revealed that the fra3 mutation cause a dramatic reduction in secondary wall thickness, an alteration in actin organization, and an increase in PtdIns(4,5)P2 and Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels.
3.The FRA3 protein is composed of two domains, an N-terminal localized WD-repeat domain and a C-terminal localized 5PTase catalytic domain.
4.The FRA3 gene was mapped to BAC clone F5I14.11 gene
Organ Specificity The FRA3 gene was found to be highly expressed in fiber cells and vascular tissues in stems.
Impact on Wall 1.The fra3 mutations caused a dramatic reduction in secondary wall thickness and a concomitant decrease in stem strength. These phenotypes were associated with an alteration in actin organization in fiber cells.
Impact on Sugar Composition
Reference 1. Zhong R, Burk DH, Morrison WH 3rd, Ye ZH. FRAGILE FIBER3, an Arabidopsis gene encoding a type II inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase, is required for secondary wall synthesis and actin organization in fiber cells. Plant Cell. 2004 Dec;16(12):3242-59.