Comparative phylogenetic analysis and transcriptional profiling of MADS-box gene family identified DAM and FLC-like genes in apple (Malusx domestica)

• DOI: 10.1038/srep20695
• Publication Date: 2016-02-09T10:18:52Z
• Authors: Gulshan Kumar; Preeti Arya; Khushboo Gupta; Vinay Randhawa; Vishal Acharya; Anil Kumar Singh
• Keywords: MADS-box; Leafy; Flowering Locus C

Abstract The MADS-box transcription factors play essential roles in various processes of plant growth and development. In the present study, phylogenetic analysis 142 apple proteins with that other dicotyledonous species identified six putative Dormancy-Associated (DAM) four Flowering Locus C-like (FLC-like) proteins. order to study expression genes, RNA-seq 3 apical 5 spur bud stages during dormancy, 6 flower 7 fruit development was performed. dramatic reduction two MdDAMs , MdMADS063 MdMADS125 MdFLC -like MdMADS135 MdMADS136 dormancy release suggests their role as flowering-repressors apple. Apple orthologs Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T FRIGIDA SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION CONSTANS 1 LEAFY exhibit similar patterns reported Arabidopsis, suggesting functional conservation floral signal integration meristem determination pathways. Gene ontology enrichment predicted targets DAM revealed involvement regulation reproductive meristematic activities, indicating SVP This provides valuable insights into functions phenology, which may help devising strategies improve important traits