Synergistic Interaction of Transcription Factors Contributes to Fiber Traits in Pima Cotton

Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) produces single-celled fiber seed trichomes (fibers) that are characterized by cellulosic-rich cell walls and desirable properties of long, strong and fine fibers,the longest and richest in cellulosic contents in the plant kingdom. To identify regulatory networks that likely govern these fiber quality traits, transcriptome profiling of single-celled fibers was performed. Of the developmentally-regulated genes identified, a small subset of transcription factors were discovered from diverse families that were differentially expressed during fiber development that underscored stage-specific expression that correlated with developmental phases.  Additional work is in underway to study the function of sole members of particular families of transcription factors that show unusually high changes in expression transiently, and in a stage-specific manner.  Since the expression pattern of these factors differs significantly from that of Upland cotton, these fiber transcription factors are of special interest for their potential role in regulating superior traits for fiber strength, length and fineness in Pima cotton.