Identification, expression, function, and genetic interactions of the DA1 gene. (A) DA1 gene structure showing the mutated sites of da1-1, sod1-1, and sod1-2 alleles. The start codon (ATG) and the stop codon (TAA) are indicated. Closed boxes indicate the coding sequence, and lines between boxes indicate introns. T-DNA insertion sites (da1-ko1, da1-ko2, and da1-ko3) in DA1 gene are shown. (B) The predicted DA1 protein contains two UIM and one LIM domains. (C) In vitro ubiquitin-binding assay. GST-DA1 and GST-DA1R358K fusion proteins expressed in E. coli were incubated with ubiquitin–agarose beads. Bound GST-DA1 and GST-DA1R358K fusion proteins (top panel) and 0.3% input proteins (bottom panel) were detected by immunoblotting (IB) with an antibody against DA1 (anti-DA1). (D–H) DA1 expression activity was monitored by pDA1∷GUS transgene expression. GUS staining during early leaf development (D), developing (E) and mature (F) petals, a developing ovule (G), and early-stage embryo (H). (I,J) Flowers of Col-0 (I) and da1-ko1dar1-1 double mutant (J). (K) Petal area of Col-0, da1-ko1, dar1-1, and da1-ko1dar1-1 double mutants. The da1-ko1dar1-1 double mutant displays a da1-1 phenotype including large flowers and petals. (L) Quantitative RT–PCR analysis revealed that expression of DA1 is slowly induced by ABA. Seven-day-old wild-type seedlings were treated with 10 μM ABA for 2, 4, 6, 18, and 30 h. (M) Seedlings of Col-0 (bottom) and da1-1 (top) were established on MS medium for 4 d and transferred to MS + 1% glucose medium without ABA and with 5 μm ABA, 10 μM ABA, and 30 μM ABA (from left to right) for 2 wk, respectively. The da1-1 mutant seedlings exhibit ABA-insensitive organ growth, compared with Col-0. (N) The shoot fresh weight of Col-0 and da1-1 in M. Values are given as mean ± SE relative to the respective wild-type value, set at 100%. Bars: D,M, 0.5 mm; E,F, 0.1 mm; G,H, 50 μm; I,J, 1 mm; (O, 2 mm.