Transcriptome Analysis of Early Anther Development of Cotton Revealed Male Sterility Genes for Major Metabolic Pathways

Abstract

Anther development in flowering plants is critical for plant breeding and reproduction and is regulated by elaborate coordination of many genes. However, the functions of most genes related to this developmental process remain unknown and understanding of the molecular mechanism of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genetic male sterility (GMS) is still scant. To better understand the functions of genes related to anther development, we performed a digital gene expression (DGE) analysis between an upland cotton GMS line and its maintainer line. Compared with the maintainer line, we identified 916 up-regulated and 826 down-regulated genes in the GMS line, including 12 transcription factors. Transcriptome profiling analysis showed that many key genes were involved in pentose and glucuronate interconversions, starch and sucrose metabolism, galactose metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, peroxisome, monoterpenoid biosynthesis, and sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis. Our analysis provides comprehensive gene expression information at the transcriptional level and lays the foundation1s for further functional analysis of candidate genes required for anther development, and will help understand the molecular mechanism of GMS in cotton.