GA3 induces expression of E2F-like genes and CDKA during in vitro germination of zygotic embryos of Cocos nucifera (L.)

Abstract

Previous reports have demonstrated that gibberellins promote seed germination, including in vitro germination of zygotic embryos of coconut. Genes that control the cell cycle seem to play important roles during germination. In this study, complete full-length sequences of two E2F-like genes, CnE2F1 and CnE2F2, were obtained. Deduced amino acid sequences of both genes showed conserved domains characteristic of E2F genes. Both genes showed high homology with Arabidopsis thalianaE2Fa and E2Fb, which are transcriptional activators. The expression profiles of CnE2F genes were evaluated in in vitro zygotic embryos with or without gibberellic acid. In control embryos, expression of CnE2F1 showed a peak at day 2, and, gradually this dropped to similar levels as those at day 0. Gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment promoted expression at day 2, higher than that of the control. For CnE2F2, peak expression was detected at day 8 of culture. However, with GA treatment, CnE2F2 expression profile increased by day 2. The expression profile of a cyclin-dependent kinase (CnCDKA), another gene related to the cell cycle control, was also studied. In control embryos, expression of this gene showed two peaks at days 2 and 8, compared with day 0. A different profile was shown with GA treatment. In general, major changes in expression profiles were observed from days 2–8 when morphological changes in zygotic embryos were not yet observed.