Ectopic expression of the maize homeobox genes ZmHox1a or ZmHox1b causes pleiotropic alterations in the vegetative and floral development of transgenic tobacco.

The ZmHox1a and ZmHox1b (for Zea mays homeobox) genes map on chromosomes 8 and 6, respectively. Both homeobox genes encode proteins that show 91% similarity and are transcribed simultaneously in meristematic and proliferating cells of the maize plant. To gain insight into the biological function of these genes, both open reading frames were expressed in tobacco, under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. The resulting transgenic ZmHox1a or ZmHox1b plants showed identical phenotypic alterations that fall into three classes: size reduction, formation of adventitious shoots, and homeotic floral transformations. Approximately 30% of the ZmHox1-expressing plants grew to only one-third of the wild-type size, and most axillary buds gave rise to lateral shoots. Flower abnormalities included formation of petaloid stamens and development of secondary flowers within the primary gynoecium. Therefore, the ectopic expression of the maize ZmHox1 homeobox gene products affects the vegetative as well as the reproductive phase of tobacco plants. All phenotypic alterations were transmitted to the next generation.