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Characterization, expression and function of DORMANCY ASSOCIATED MADS-BOX genes from leafy spurge
David P Horvath1, Sibum Sung, Donghwan Kim
1Biosciences Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Fargo, ND, USA. david.horvath@ars.usda.gov
Plant Molecular Biology
|January 13, 2010
Summary
Dormancy Associated MADS-Box (DAM) genes regulate plant dormancy. Leafy spurge DAM genes respond to environmental cues, influencing bud dormancy and flowering time in plants.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Molecular genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- DORMANCY ASSOCIATED MADS-BOX (DAM) genes are homologous to Arabidopsis AGAMOUS-LIKE 24 and SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE genes.
- DAM genes are involved in regulating endodormancy induction and release in perennial plant buds.
- Previous studies in peach demonstrated that deletions in DAM genes lead to a loss of endodormancy induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize MADS box genes, specifically DAM genes, from the model perennial weed leafy spurge.
- To investigate the expression patterns of leafy spurge DAM genes in response to environmental conditions and their relation to endodormancy.
- To explore the regulatory mechanisms of DAM genes, including chromatin remodeling and promoter analysis.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and characterization of MADS box genes from leafy spurge.
- Analysis of DAM gene expression in shoot tips and buds under various environmental conditions (cold, day length).
- Over-expression studies of a DAM gene in Arabidopsis to assess its effect on flowering time.
- Chromatin remodeling analysis and comparison of DAM gene promoters between poplar and leafy spurge.
Main Results:
- Leafy spurge DAM genes are preferentially expressed in shoot tips and buds.
- Expression levels correlate with the level of endodormancy induced by environmental conditions.
- Over-expression of a leafy spurge DAM gene in Arabidopsis resulted in delayed flowering.
- Evidence suggests differential regulation of at least one DAM gene by chromatin remodeling.
- Conserved sequences in DAM gene promoters between poplar and leafy spurge were identified.
Conclusions:
- Leafy spurge DAM genes play a role in regulating plant responses to environmental cues related to dormancy.
- These genes are differentially regulated by environmental stimuli and chromatin remodeling.
- Conserved promoter elements may be crucial for DAM gene function in response to dormancy-inducing signals.
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