Analysis of MADS-Box Gene Family Reveals Conservation in Floral Organ ABCDE Model of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis).

Zhanchao Cheng,Wei Ge,Dan Hou,Yanjun Ma,Xueping Li,Shaohua Mu,Long Li,Jun Liu,Qingsong Bai,Jian Gao

doi:10.3389/fpls.2017.00656

Abstract

Mini chromosome maintenance 1, agamous, deficiens, and serum response factor (MADS)-box genes are transcription factors which play fundamental roles in flower development and regulation of floral organ identity. However, till date, identification and functions of MADS-box genes remain largely unclear in Phyllostachys edulis. In view of this, we performed a whole-genome survey and identified 34 MADS-box genes in P. edulis, and based on phylogeny, they were classified as MIKCC, MIKC∗, Mα, and Mβ. The detailed analysis about gene structure and motifs, phylogenetic classification, comparison of gene divergence and duplication are provided. Interestingly, expression patterns for most genes were found similar to those of Arabidopsis and rice, indicating that the well-established ABCDE model can be applied to P. edulis. Moreover, we overexpressed PheMADS15, an AP1-like gene, in Arabidopsis, and found that the transgenic plants have early flowering phenotype, suggesting that PheMADS15 might be a regulator of flowering transition in P. edulis. Taken together, this study provides not only insightful comprehension but also useful information for understanding the functions of MADS-box genes in P. edulis.

Highlights

Phyllostachys edulis is one of the most important non-timber forest products in the world
MIKCC-type genes were further divided into nine classic clades: SUPPRESSOR OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1)-like, E, SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP)-like, Bs, C/D, B, A, and OsMADS32-like
Genes belonging to FLC-clade were absent in P. edulis and rice, which may be specific to Arabidopsis

Summary

Introduction

Phyllostachys edulis is one of the most important non-timber forest products in the world They flower at the end of very long vegetative growth phases, often followed by the death of large areas of P. edulis. They show a cyclic recurrence of flowering, the intervals of which are basically definite varying from a few years to 120 years or longer. In this case, studying the mechanism of P. edulis flowering time is very challenging, and it is quite difficult to determine the key regulatory genes involved in floral formation and transition in P. edulis. Type I MADS-box genes have been categorized into Mα, Mβ, Mγ, and Mδ

Methods

Results

Conclusion