title: Functional characterization of B class MADS-box transcription factors in Gerbera hybrida.
abstract: According to the classical ABC model, B-function genes are involved in determining petal and stamen development. Most core eudicot species have B class genes belonging to three different lineages: the PI, euAP3, and TM6 lineages, although both Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum appear to have lost their TM6-like gene. Functional studies were performed for three gerbera (Gerbera hybrida) B class MADS-box genes--PI/GLO-like GGLO1, euAP3 class GDEF2, and TM6-like GDEF1--and data are shown for a second euAP3-like gene, GDEF3. In phylogenetic analysis, GDEF3 is a closely related paralogue of GDEF2, and apparently stems from a duplication common to all Asteraceae. Expression analysis and transgenic phenotypes confirm that GGLO1 and GDEF2 mediate the classical B-function since they determine petal and stamen identities. However, based on assays in yeast, three B class heterodimer combinations are possible in gerbera. In addition to the interaction of GGLO1 and GDEF2 proteins, GGLO1 also pairs with GDEF1 and GDEF3. This analysis of GDEF1 represents the first functional characterization of a TM6-like gene in a core eudicot species outside Solanaceae. Similarly to its relatives in petunia and tomato, the expression pattern and transgenic phenotypes indicate that GDEF1 is not involved in determination of petal identity, but has a redundant role in regulating stamen development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Biology, PO Box 27, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Finland.
authors.forename: Suvi K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Broholm
authors.forename: Eija
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pöllänen
authors.forename: Satu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ruokolainen
authors.forename: Sari
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tähtiharju
authors.forename: Mika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kotilainen
authors.forename: Victor A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Albert
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Elomaa
authors.forename: Teemu H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Teeri
mesh_terms: D019659:Asteraceae / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D035264:Flowers / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D017343:Genes, Plant / Q000235:genetics; D026161:MADS Domain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010641:Phenotype; D010802:Phylogeny; D019441:Plant Epidermis / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D011485:Protein Binding
chemical_list: D026161:MADS Domain Proteins