The identification of candidate genes for a reverse genetic analysis of development and function in the Arabidopsis...

The screening for mutants and their subsequent molecular analysis has permitted the identification of a number of genes of Arabidopsis involved in the development and functions of the gynoecium. However, these processes remain far from completely understood. It is clear that in many cases, genetic redundancy and other factors can limit the efficiency of classical mutant screening. We have taken the alternative approach of a reverse genetic analysis of gene function in the Arabidopsis gynoecium. A high-throughput fluorescent differential display screen performed between two Arabidopsis floral homeotic mutants has permitted the identification of a number of genes that are specifically or preferentially expressed in the gynoecium. Here, we present the results of this screen and a detailed characterization of the expression profiles of the genes identified. Our expression analysis makes novel use of several Arabidopsis floral homeotic mutants to provide floral organ-specific gene expression profiles. The results of these studies permit the efficient targeting of effort into a functional analysis of gynoecium-expressed genes.