SQUA-like genes in the orchid Phalaenopsis are expressed in both vegetative and reproductive tissues.
The SQUA family (AP1/FUL family) of MADS-box genes plays an important role in the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive development of angiosperms, and its origin might be concurrent with fixation of floral structure in angiosperms. Here, we isolated two Phalaenopsis MADS-box genes designated ORAP11 and ORAP13, both of which belong to the monocot FUL-like clade of the SQUA family. RT-PCR showed that both genes are strongly expressed in the floral bud, and also detected in the vegetative organs. During later stages, ORAP11 was only detected in the column, but ORAP13 signal was absent from all of the floral organs. In-situ hybridization experiments detected both genes in the tips and margins of developing petals and lips, the developing column, and ovule. Over-expression of both genes in tobacco induced early flowering and changed plant architecture. Our results suggest that in Phalaenopsis, both genes might share partly redundant activities and play important roles in the process of floral transition and morphological architecture.
Chen
Donghong
D
Institute of Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Research Center of Gene Diversity and Designed Agriculture, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Guo
Bin
B
Hexige
Saiyin
S
Zhang
Tian
T
Shen
Daleng
D
Ming
Feng
F
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D035264:Flowers / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D026161:MADS Domain Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D029595:Orchidaceae / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D010802:Phylogeny; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000378:metabolism; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000378:metabolism; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000235:genetics
D026161:MADS Domain Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins