PEBP Genes Research Articles

Characterization of PEBP-like Genes and Function of Capebp1 and Capebp5 in Fruiting Body Regeneration in Cyclocybe aegerita.

Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs) play a crucial role in the growth and development of various organisms. Due to the low sequence similarity compared to plants, humans, and animals, the study of pebp genes in fungi has not received significant attention. The redifferentiation of fruiting bodies is exceedingly rare in fungal development. Hitherto, only a few studies have identified the Capebp2 gene as being associated with this phenomenon in Cyclocybe aegerita. Thus, exploring the role of pebp genes in fruiting body development is imperative. In the present study, four Capebp genes (Capebp1, Capebp3, Capebp4, and Capebp5) were cloned from the AC0007 strain of C. aegerita based on genome sequencing and gene prediction. The findings indicate that the pebp family, in C. aegerita, comprises a total of five genes. Moreover, the sequence similarity was low across the five CAPEBP protein sequences in C. aegerita, and only a few conserved sequences, such as HRY and RHF, were identical. Expression analyses revealed that, similarly to Capebp2, the four Capebp genes exhibit significantly higher expression levels in the fruiting bodies than in the mycelium. Furthermore, overexpressed and RNA interference Capebp1 or Capebp5 transformants were analyzed. The results demonstrate that overexpression of Capebp1 or Capebp5 could induce the regeneration of the lamella or fruiting body, whereas the knockdown of Capebp1 or Capebp5 could lead to the accelerated aging of fruiting bodies. These findings highlight a significant role of Capebp genes in the generation of C. aegerita fruiting bodies and provide a foundation for further exploration into their involvement in basidiomycete growth and development.

Genome-Wide Identification of the PEBP Family Gene in Three Cymbidium Species and Its Expression Patterns Analysis in C. ensifolium

The PEBP gene family is involved in many biological processes in plants, including plant growth and development, flowering regulation, light response, and abiotic stress response. But there is little information about the role of the PEBP gene family in Cymbidium species. In this study, we identified 11, 9, and 7 PEBP genes in C. ensifolium, C. sinense, and C. goeringii, respectively, and mapped them to the chromosomes. We also studied the physicochemical characteristics of the proteins encoded by these PEBPs and analyzed their intra-species collinearity, gene structure, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements. Furthermore, a total of forty PEBP genes from C. sinense, C. ensifolium, C. goeringii, Phalaenopsis, and Arabidopsis were divided into three clades based on the phylogenetic tree. The expression patterns of 11 PEBP genes in different tissues and organs of C. ensifolium were analyzed based on transcriptome data, indicating that the CePEBPs might play an important role in the growth and development, especially in the flower bud organs (1–5 mm). CePEBP5 plays an indispensable role in both the vegetative and reproductive growth cycles of C. ensifolium. CePEBP1 is essential for root development, while CePEBP1, CePEBP3, CePEBP5, and CePEBP10 regulate the growth and development of different floral organ tissues at various stages. The findings of this study can do a great deal to understand the roles of the PEBP gene family in Cymbidium.

Genome-Wide Identification of PEBP Gene Family in Two Dendrobium Species and Expression Patterns in Dendrobium chrysotoxum.

The PEBP gene family plays a significant role in regulating flower development and formation. To understand its function in Dendrobium chrysotoxum and D. nobile flowering, we identified 22 PEBP genes (11 DchPEBPs and 11 DnoPEBPs) from both species. We conducted analyses on their conserved domains and motifs, phylogenetic relationships, chromosome distribution, collinear correlation, and cis elements. The classification results showed that the 22 PEBPs were mainly divided into three clades, as follows: FT, MFT, and TFL1. A sequence analysis showed that most PEBP proteins contained five conserved domains, while a gene structure analysis revealed that 77% of the total PEBP genes contained four exons and three introns. The promoter regions of the 22 PEBPs contained several cis elements related to hormone induction and light response. This suggests these PEBPs could play a role in regulating flower development by controlling photoperiod and hormone levels. Additionally, a collinearity analysis revealed three pairs of duplicate genes in the genomes of both D. chrysotoxum and D. nobile. Furthermore, RT-qPCR has found to influence the regulatory effect of DchPEBPs on the development of flower organs (sepals, petals, lip, ovary, and gynostemium) during the flowering process (bud, transparent stage, and initial bloom). The results obtained imply that DchPEBP8 and DchPEBP9 play a role in the initial bloom and that DchPEBP7 may inhibit flowering processes. Moreover, DchPEBP9 may potentially be involved in the development of reproductive functionality. PEBPs have regulatory functions that modulate flowering. FT initiates plant flowering by mediating photoperiod and temperature signals, while TFL1 inhibits flowering processes. These findings provide clues for future studies on flower development in Dendrobium.

Overexpression of the Capebp2 Gene Encoding the PEBP-like Protein Promotes the Cap Redifferentiation in Cyclocybe aegerita.

Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) is widely involved in various physiological behaviors, such as the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth in plants, tumorigenesis in the human, etc. However, few functional studies have examined pebp genes affecting the development of fungi. In this study, Capebp2 was cloned from Cyclocybe aegerita AC0007 strains based on the genome sequence and gene prediction, and the sequence alignment of CaPEBP2 with other PEBP proteins from other biological sources including plant, animal, fungi, and bacteria indicated that PEBP had low sequence similarity in fungi, whereas all protein sequences had some conserved motifs such as DPDAP and HRY. Expression analysis showed the transcription level of Capebp2 increased approximately 20-fold in fruiting bodies compared with mycelia. To uncover the function of Capebp2 in C. aegetita development, Capebp2 was cloned into a pATH vector driven by the actin promoter for obtaining overexpression transformant lines. Fruiting experiments showed the transformed strains overexpressing Capebp2 exhibited redifferentiation of the cap on their surface, including intact fruiting bodies or partial lamella during fruiting development stage, and the longitudinal section indicated that all regenerated bodies or lamella sprouted from the flesh and shared the epidermis with the mother fruiting bodies. In summary, the sequence characterization of Capebp2, expression level during different development stages, and function on fruiting body development were documented in this study, and these findings provided a reference to study the role of pebp in the development process of basidiomycetes. Importantly, gene mining of pebp, function characterization, and the regulating pathways involved need to be uncovered in further studies.

Genome-Wide Identification of PEBP Gene Family in Solanum lycopersicum.

The PEBP gene family is crucial for the growth and development of plants, the transition between vegetative and reproductive growth, the response to light, the production of florigen, and the reaction to several abiotic stressors. The PEBP gene family has been found in numerous species, but the SLPEBP gene family has not yet received a thorough bioinformatics investigation, and the members of this gene family are currently unknown. In this study, bioinformatics was used to identify 12 members of the SLPEBP gene family in tomato and localize them on the chromosomes. The physicochemical characteristics of the proteins encoded by members of the SLPEBP gene family were also examined, along with their intraspecific collinearity, gene structure, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements. In parallel, a phylogenetic tree was built and the collinear relationships of the PEBP gene family among tomato, potato, pepper, and Arabidopsis were examined. The expression of 12 genes in different tissues and organs of tomato was analyzed using transcriptomic data. It was also hypothesized that SLPEBP3, SLPEBP5, SLPEBP6, SLPEBP8, SLPEBP9, and SLPEBP10 might be related to tomato flowering and that SLPEBP2, SLPEBP3, SLPEBP7, and SLPEBP11 might be related to ovary development based on the tissue-specific expression analysis of SLPEBP gene family members at five different stages during flower bud formation to fruit set. This article's goal is to offer suggestions and research directions for further study of tomato PEBP gene family members.

Identification, evolution and expression analyses of the whole genome-wide PEBP gene family in Brassica napus L.

BackgroundWith the release of genomic data for B.rapa, B.oleracea, and B.napus, research on the genetic and molecular functions of Brassica spp. has entered a new stage. PEBP genes in plants play an important role in the transition to flowering as well as seed development and germination. Molecular evolutionary and functional analyses of the PEBP gene family in B.napus based on molecular biology methods can provide a theoretical basis for subsequent investigations of related regulators.ResultsIn this paper, we identified a total of 29 PEBP genes from B.napus that were located on 14 chromosomes and 3 random locations. Most members contained 4 exons and 3 introns; motif 1 and motif 2 were the characteristic motifs of PEBP members. On the basis of intraspecific and interspecific collinearity analyses, it is speculated that fragment replication and genomic replication are the main drivers of for the amplification and evolution of the PEBP gene in the B.napus genome. The results of promoter cis-elements prediction suggest that BnPEBP family genes are inducible promoters, which may directly or indirectly participate in multiple regulatory pathways of plant growth cycle. Furthermore, the tissue-specific expression results show that the expression levels of BnPEBP family genes in different tissues were quite different, but the gene expression organization and patterns of the same subgroup were basically the same. qRT‒PCR revealed certain spatiotemporal patterns in the expression of the PEBP subgroups in roots, stems, leaves, buds, and siliques, was tissue-specific, and related to function.ConclusionsA systematic comparative analysis of the B.napus PEBP gene family was carried out at here. The results of gene identification, phylogenetic tree construction, structural analysis, gene duplication analysis, prediction of promoter cis-elements and interacting proteins, and expression analysis provide a reference for exploring the molecular mechanisms of BnPEBP family genes in future research.

Genome-wide analysis and identification of the PEBP genes of Brassica juncea var. Tumida

BackgroundPhosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) is widely present in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Plant PEBP genes are mainly involved in flowering transition and nutritional growth. These genes have been studied in several plants; however, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have explored them in Brassica juncea var. tumida. This study identified and characterized the entire PEBP gene family of Brassica juncea var. tumida.ResultsA total of 21 PEBP genes were identified from Brassica juncea var. tumida. Through phylogenetic analysis, the 21 corresponding proteins were classified into the following four clusters: TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1)-like proteins (n = 8), MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT)-like proteins (n = 5), FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)-like proteins (n = 6), and ybhB-like proteins (n = 2). A total of 18 genes contained four exons and had similar gene structures in each subfamily except BjMFT1, BjPYBHB1, and Arabidopsis thaliana CENTRORADIALIS homolog of Brassica juncea var. tumida (BjATC1). In the analysis of conserved motif composition, the BjPEBP genes exhibited similar characteristics, except for BjFT3, BjMFT1, BjPYBHB1, BjPYBHB2, and BjATC1. The BjPEBP promoter includes multiple cis-acting elements such as the G-box and I-box elements that respond to light, ABRE and GARE-motif elements that respond to hormones, and MBSI and CAT-box elements that are associated with plant growth and development. Analysis of RNA-Seq data revealed that the expression of a few BjPEBP genes may be associated with the development of a tumorous stem. The results of qRT–PCR showed that BjTFL1 and BjPYBHB1 were highly expressed in the flower tissue, BjFT1 and BjATC1 were mainly expressed in the root, and BjMFT4 were highly detected in the stem. The results of yeast two-hybrid screening suggested that BjFT interacts with Bj14-3-3. These results indicate that BjFT is involved in flowering regulation.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to perform a genome-wide analysis of PEBP genes family in Brassica juncea var. tumida. The findings of this study may help improve the yield and molecular breeding of Brassica juncea var. tumida.

Analysis of PEBP Genes in Saffron Identifies a Flowering Locus T Homologue Involved in Flowering Regulation

Analysis of PEBP Genes in Saffron Identifies a Flowering Locus T Homologue Involved in Flowering Regulation

The Current Progresses in the Genes and Networks Regulating Cotton Plant Architecture.

Cotton is the most important source of natural fiber in the world as well as a key source of edible oil. The plant architecture and flowering time in cotton are crucial factors affecting cotton yield and the efficiency of mechanized harvest. In the model plant arabidopsis, the functions of genes related to plant height, inflorescence structure, and flowering time have been well studied. In the model crops, such as tomato and rice, the similar genetic explorations have greatly strengthened the economic benefits of these crops. Plants of the Gossypium genus have the characteristics of perennials with indeterminate growth and the cultivated allotetraploid cottons, G. hirsutum (Upland cotton), and G. barbadense (Sea-island cotton), have complex branching patterns. In this paper, we review the current progresses in the identification of genes affecting cotton architecture and flowering time in the cotton genome and the elucidation of their functional mechanisms associated with branching patterns, branching angle, fruit branch length, and plant height. This review focuses on the following aspects: (i) plant hormone signal transduction pathway; (ii) identification of cotton plant architecture QTLs and PEBP gene family members; (iii) functions of FT/SFT and SP genes; (iv) florigen and anti-florigen systems. We highlight areas that require further research, and should lay the groundwork for the targeted bioengineering of improved cotton cultivars with flowering times, plant architecture, growth habits and yields better suited for modern, mechanized cultivation.

Analysis of the molecular evolution of the PEBP gene family in cruciferous plants

Analysis of the molecular evolution of the PEBP gene family in cruciferous plants

Analysis of the PEBP gene family and identification of a novel FLOWERING LOCUS T orthologue in sugarcane.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important economic crop for both sugar and biomass, the yields of which are negatively affected by flowering. The molecular mechanisms controlling flowering in sugarcane are nevertheless poorly understood. RNA-seq data analysis and database searches have enabled a comprehensive description of the PEBP gene family in sugarcane. It is shown to consist of at least 13 FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)-like genes, two MOTHER OF FT AND TFL (MFT)-like genes, and four TERMINAL FLOWER (TFL)-like genes. As expected, these genes all show very high homology to their corresponding genes in Sorghum, and also to FT-like, MFT-like, and TFL-like genes in maize, rice, and Arabidopsis. Functional analysis in Arabidopsis showed that the sugarcane ScFT3 gene can rescue the late flowering phenotype of the Arabidopsis ft-10 mutant, whereas ScFT5 cannot. High expression levels of ScFT3 in leaves of short day-induced sugarcane plants coincided with initial stages of floral induction in the shoot apical meristem as shown by histological analysis of meristem dissections. This suggests that ScFT3 is likely to play a role in floral induction in sugarcane; however, other sugarcane FT-like genes may also be involved in the flowering process.

Genome-Wide Analysis of PEBP Genes in Dendrobium huoshanense: Unveiling the Antagonistic Functions of FT/TFL1 in Flowering Time.

Dendrobium is a semi-shade epiphytic Orchidaceae herb with important ornamental and medicinal value. Parts of the cultivation of Dendrobium germplasm resources, as well as the identification of medicinal components, are more studied, but the functional characterization of the flowering regulation in Dendrobium plants is less reported. Here, six PEBP family genes (DhFT3, DhFT1, DhMFT, DhTFL1b, DhFT2, and DhTFL1a) were identified from the Dendrobium huoshanense genome. The chromosome-level mapping showed that these genes were sequentially distributed on chromosomes 6, 9, 15, and 17. The paralogous gene DhTFL1b corresponded to DhTFL1a, which was determined through tandem duplication. The gene structure and conserved motif of DhPEBP indicated five PEBP genes apart from DhMFT contained four exons and three introns entirely. The phylogeny analysis showed that the PEBP gene family in A. thaliana, O. sativa, Z. mays, S. lycopersicum, and P. equestris were classified into three subclades, FT, TFL, and MFT, which maintained a high homology with D. huoshanense. The conserved domain of the amino acid demonstrated that two highly conserved short motifs (DPDXP and GXHR) embed in DhPEBPs, which may contribute to the conformation of the ligand binding bag. The 86th position of DhFTs was tyrosine (Y), while the 83th and 87th of DhTFL1s belonged to histidine (H), suggesting they should have distinct functions in flowering regulation. The promoter of six DhPEBPs contained several cis-elements related to hormone induction, light response, and abiotic stress, which indicated they could be regulated by the environmental stress and endogenous signaling pathways. The qRT-PCR analysis of DhPEBPs in short-term days induced by GA indicated the gene expressions of all DhFTs were gradually increased, whereas the expression of DhTFL1 was decreased. The results implied that DhPEBPs have various regulatory functions in modulating flowering, which will provide a scientific reference for the flowering regulation of Dendrobium plants.

Genome-wide characterization of PEBP family genes in nine Rosaceae tree species and their expression analysis in P. mume

BackgroundPhosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs) constitute a common gene family found among animals, plants and microbes. Plant PEBP proteins play an important role in regulating flowering time, plant architecture as well as seed dormancy. Though PEBP family genes have been well studied in Arabidopsis and other model species, less is known about these genes in perennial trees.ResultsTo understand the evolution of PEBP genes and their functional roles in flowering control, we identified 56 PEBP members belonging to three gene clades (MFT-like, FT-like, and TFL1-like) and five lineages (FT, BFT, CEN, TFL1, and MFT) across nine Rosaceae perennial species. Structural analysis revealed highly conserved gene structure and protein motifs among Rosaceae PEBP proteins. Codon usage analysis showed slightly biased codon usage across five gene lineages. With selection pressure analysis, we detected strong purifying selection constraining divergence within most lineages, while positive selection driving the divergence of FT-like and TFL1-like genes from the MFT-like gene clade. Spatial and temporal expression analyses revealed the essential role of FT in regulating floral bud breaking and blooming in P. mume. By employing a weighted gene co-expression network approach, we inferred a putative FT regulatory module required for dormancy release and blooming in P. mume.ConclusionsWe have characterized the PEBP family genes in nine Rosaceae species and examined their phylogeny, genomic syntenic relationship, duplication pattern, and expression profiles during flowering process. These results revealed the evolutionary history of PEBP genes and their functions in regulating floral bud development and blooming among Rosaceae tree species.

Identification and characterization of PEBP family genes reveal CcFT8 a probable candidate for photoperiod insensitivity in C. cajan.

Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying photoperiod sensitivity will play a crucial role in extending the cropping area of Cajanus cajan, a photoperiod sensitive major grain legume of India and Africa. In flowering plants, Flowering locus T (FT) gene is involved in the production of florigen molecule which is essential for induction of flowering, influenced largely by the duration of photoperiod. To understand the structural and regulatory nature of this gene, a genome-wide survey was carried out, revealing the presence of 13 PEBP (FT) family genes in C. cajan. Based on the gene expression profiling of 13 PEBP genes across the 30 tissues of C. cajan, CcFT6 and CcFT8 were found to be probable Flowering locus T genes responsible for the production of florigen as both of them showed expression in reproductive leaf. Expression analysis in photoperiod sensitive, MAL3 genotype revealed that CcFT6 is upregulated under SD. However, in photoperiod insensitive genotype (ICP20338) CcFT6 and CcFT8 were upregulated in SD and LD, respectively. Hence, in ICP20338 under SD, flowering induction occurs with the involvement of CcFT6 while under LD, flowering induction seems tobe associated with the expression of CcFT8. CcFT6 was found to be expressed only under favourable photoperiodic condition (SD) in both MAL3 and ICP20338 and may be regulated through aphotoperiod dependent pathway. The presence of additional florigen producing gene, CcFT8 in ICP20338 which has the ability to flower in aphotoperiod independent manner under LD conditions might provide some clues on its photoperiod insensitive nature. This study will provide adetailed characterization of the genes involved in photoperiodic regulation of flowering in C. cajan.

Identification of Brassica oleracea orthologs of the PEBP family and their expression patterns in curd development and flowering in cauliflower

The PEBP family members are reported to play important roles in plant flowering and reproductive organ formation. However, this gene family has not been identified nor their functions have been analyzed in Brassica oleracea. In this study, 10 PEBP genes were identified in the B. oleracea genome. These genes were categorized as TFL1, FT and MFT subfamilies according to the phylogeny and gene structure analysis. All the 10 PEBP genes were randomly distributed on seven of the nine chromosomes in B. oleracea. The expression profiles of the 10 PEBP genes in different tissues of cauliflower were evaluated through quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and we found that FT and TFL1 genes tend to be expressed in reproductive organs and at high levels in the meristem, whereas the MFT genes showed no or very low expression in all tested tissues. Notably, the five TFL1 genes might be sub-functionalized in cauliflower. Bol026421 and Bol032920 were specifically expressed in SAMbr, maintaining the indeterminate growth of shoot apical meristem, whereas the other three genes (Bol015337, Bol005471 and Bol010027) were highly expressed in curd stages. Highly expressed TFL1 group genes with low mRNA levels of the flowering-promoting genes (FT, TSF), might be one of the important reasons of curd formation in cauliflower. Generally, the results obtained in this study will help further studies on the roles of PEBP genes during curd development and flowering initiation, leading to crop improvement.

Molecular and transcriptional characterization of phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding proteins in wild peanuts Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis

BackgroundPhosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs) are involved in the regulation of plant architecture and flowering time. The functions of PEBP genes have been studied in many plant species. However, little is known about the characteristics and expression profiles of PEBP genes in wild peanut species, Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis, the diploid ancestors of cultivated peanuts.ResultsIn this study, genome-wide identification methods were used to identify and characterize a total of 32 peanut PEBP genes, 16 from each of the two wild peanut species, A. duranensis and A. ipaensis. These PEBP genes were classified into 3 groups (TERMINAL FLOWER1-like, FLOWERING LOCUS T-like, and MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1-like) based on their phylogenetic relationships. The gene structures, motifs, and chromosomal locations for each of these PEBPs were analyzed. In addition, 4 interchromosomal duplications and 1 tandem duplication were identified in A. duranensis, and 2 interchromosomal paralogs and 1 tandem paralog were identified in A. ipaensis. Ninety-five different cis-acting elements were identified in the PEBP gene promoter regions and most genes had different numbers and types of cis-elements. As a result, the transcription patterns of these PEBP genes varied in different tissues and under long day and short day conditions during different growth phases, indicating the functional diversities of PEBPs in different tissues and their potential functions in plant photoperiod dependent developmental pathways. Moreover, our analysis revealed that AraduF950M/AraduWY2NX in A. duranensis, and Araip344D4/Araip4V81G in A. ipaensis are good candidates for regulating plant architecture, and that Aradu80YRY, AraduYY72S, and AraduEHZ9Y in A. duranensis and AraipVEP8T in A. ipaensis may be key factors regulating flowering time.ConclusionSixteen PEBP genes were identified and characterized from each of the two diploid wild peanut genomes, A. duranensis and A. ipaensis. Genetic characterization and spatio-temporal expression analysis support their importance in plant growth and development. These findings further our understanding of PEBP gene functions in plant species.

Transcriptome and flower genes analysis of Prunus campanulata Maxim

ABSTRACTPrunus campanulata Maxim. (syn. Cerasus campanulata or Prunus cerasoides var. campanulata) is a species of wild cherry native to Taiwan. Unlike most of the species in genus Cerasus, it is native to subtropical to tropical climate, and is often being planted as ornamental or roadside tree in city. Flower is the most attractive part of P. campanulata, but the genes participated in blossom in this specie are unknown. The transcriptome of P. campanulata inflorescence and leaves were sequenced by illumina technique. A total of 36,315 contigs were acquired, 22,531 of which were predicted as genes. For flower-related genes, 24 genes belong to MIKC group and one FT-like gene (PcFTL) belongs to PEBP gene family. Analysis of the PcFTL sequence suggests it as a flower activator. Expression of genes on the flower development pathway were also investigated, and the result showed genes belong to ABC model were highly expressed in inflorescence, thus indicates the P. campanulata transcriptome database is reliable. In this study an overview of P. campanulata inflorescence and leaves transcriptome was provided and the flower-related genes of P. campanulata were investigated. These findings improve our understanding of gene regulation of flowering in P. campanulata.Abbreviation: AGL - AGAMOUS LIKE; AP3: APETALA 3; BLAST - Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; CO - CONSTANTS; EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory; EMF - Embryonic flower; FD - Flowering Locus D; FLC - FLOWERING LOCUS C; FPKM - fragments per kilobase of transcript per million; FRI - FRIGIDA; FT - Flowering Locus T; FTL - Flowering Locus T-like; gDNA - genomic DNA; GI - GIGANTEA; GO - gene ontology; LFY - LEAFY; MFT - MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1; NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information; NGS - next-generation sequencing; ORF - Open Reading Frame; PEBP - phosphatidylethanolaminebinding protein; PI - PISTILLATA; QTL - quantitative trait locus; SOC - SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSTION OF CONSTANS 1; SSEP - SEPALLATA; SVP - SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE; TAIR - The Arabidopsis Information Resource; TFL - TERMINAL FLOWER1-like

Phylogenomic Analysis of the PEBP Gene Family from Kalanchoë

The PEBP family comprises proteins that function as key regulators of flowering time throughout the plant kingdom and they also regulate growth and plant architecture. Within the PEBP protein family, three subfamilies can be distinguished in angiosperms: MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1-like (MFT), FLOWERING LOCUS T-like (FT-like), and TERMINAL FLOWER1-like (TFL1-like). Taking advantage of the genome sequences available from K. fedtschenkoi and K. laxiflora, we performed computational analysis to identify the members of the PEBP gene family in these species. The analyses revealed the existence of 11 PEBP genes in K. fedtschenkoi and 18 in K. laxiflora, which are clustered in two clades: FT-like and TFL1-like. The PEBP genes had conserved gene structure and the proteins had highly conserved amino acid sequences in the positions crucial for the protein functions. The analysis of Ka/Ks ratio revealed that most recently duplicated genes are under positive selection. Despite being an economically important genus, the genetics underlying the regulation of flowering in Kalanchoë is poorly understood. The results of this study may provide a new insight into the molecular control of flowering that will allow further studies on flowering control in Kalanchoë.

Transcript expression bias of phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein gene in bumblebee, Bombus lantschouensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) family is a highly conserved group of proteins found in a wide range of organism. It plays an important role in innate immunity of insects. Little is known on the expression characteristic and function of PEBP in bees. In the current study, we cloned the pebp gene and investigated its expression profiles at different developmental stages and reproductive status from bumblebee, Bombus lantschouensis (Vogt), which is one of the most abundant pollinators for wild plants and crops in Northern China. Two transcripts (PEBPX1 and PEBPX2) of the pebp gene were cloned for the first time. The transcript PEBPX2 lacked a signal peptide sequence compared to PEBPX1. The full-length cDNA of these two PEBP transcripts is 1005bp and 915bp, with an open reading frame of 627bp and 549bp, respectively. Transcript PEBPX2 was one order of magnitude more expressed than transcript PEBPX1 at most of the developmental stages and different reproductive status (egg-laying versus non- egg-laying females). Both of the PEBP transcripts were highly expressed in brown-eyed with light and dark pigmented cuticle pupae stages. Quantitative PCR and Western Blot demonstrated that PEBP was significantly up-regulated in egg-laying females. In summary, we suggest that levels of these two PEBPs could be related to the regulation of reproduction in bumblebees. In addition, both transcripts likely play an important role in the metamorphosis developmental stage of bumblebee pupae.

Natural allelic variation in blueberry TERMINAL FLOWER 1

AbstractA blueberry (Vacciniumsp.) germplasm collection was screened for allelic variation inTERMINAL FLOWER 1(TFL1) that could be used in breeding flowering or architecture traits. TFL1 has been found to repress the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in diverse plant species, with mutations leading to altered flowering and form. TheVcTFL1gene sequence was determined from the draft genome sequence of diploidV. corymbosumline W8520.VcTFL1is a member of a PEBP gene family and it could be distinguished from its family members by sequence comparison with PEBP family genes from other plants. High-resolution DNA melting analysis of 160Vacciniumaccessions detectedVcTFL1exons that differed in sequence from the W8520 control. DNA sequence analysis confirmed the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and identified haplotypes of tetraploid accessions. A total of 18 SNP sites were detected inVcTFL1coding sequences of theVacciniumgermplasm screened. A SNP causing an alanine-to-valine change in exon 4 (A159V) was determined by multiple bioinformatic tools to be deleterious toVcTFL1function. A diploidV. corymbosumaccession heterozygous for theVcTFL1mutation was identified as a candidate for breeding novel traits for blueberry.