New MADS-Box Gene in Fern: Cloning and Expression Analysis of DfMADS1 from Dryopteris fragrans

Qingyang Huang,Ying Chang,Ruifeng Fan,Wenhua Li,Vladimir N Uversky

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0086349

Abstract

MADS genes encode a family of transcription factors, some of which control the identities of floral organs in flowering plants. Most of the MADS-box genes in fern have been cloned and analyzed in model plants, such as Ceratopteris richardii and Ceratopteris pteridoides. In this study, a new MADS-box gene, DfMADS1(GU385475), was cloned from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott to better understand the role of MADS genes in the evolution of floral organs. The full-length DfMADS1 cDNA was 973 bp in length with a 75bp 5′-UTR and a 169bp 3′-UTR. The DfMADS1 protein was predicted to contain a typical MIKC-type domain structure consisting of a MADS domain, a short I region, a K domain, and a C-terminal region. The DfMADS1 protein showed high homology with MADS box proteins from other ferns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DfMADS1 belongs to the CRM1-like subfamily. RT-PCR analysis indicated that DfMADS1 is expressed in both the gametophytes and the sporophytes of D. fragrans.

Highlights

MADS genes encode a family of transcription factors that play important roles in signal transduction and developmental control in plants, animals, and fungi [1,2,3]
Sequence analysis revealed that the deduced amino acid sequences of DfMADS1 shared high homology with the MADS box proteins of other pteridophytes
A highly conserved MADS-box domain and relatively conserved K domain were observed in D. fragrans and other pteridophytes (Fig. 1)

Summary

Introduction

MADS genes encode a family of transcription factors that play important roles in signal transduction and developmental control in plants, animals, and fungi [1,2,3]. In Arabidopsis and other higher flowering plants, studies have shown that MADS-box genes are key regulators of flower development [4]. The function and evolution of MIKC MADS-box genes have been intensively studied in a large number of plant species [10,11,12]. The MADS-box gene family diverges into two broad clades, types I and II, which existed before the divergence of plants, animals, and fungi [13]. Type II MADS-box genes further diverge into two groups, namely MIKCC and MIKC* [14]

Methods

Results

Conclusion