Expression profiling of MADS-box gene family revealed its role in vegetative development and stem ripening in S. spontaneum

Abstract

Sugarcane is the most important sugar and biofuel crop. MADS-box genes encode transcription factors that are involved in developmental control and signal transduction in plants. Systematic analyses of MADS-box genes have been reported in many plant species, but its identification and characterization were not possible until a reference genome of autotetraploid wild type sugarcane specie, Saccharum spontaneum is available recently. We identified 182 MADS-box sequences in the S. spontaneum genome, which were annotated into 63 genes, including 6 (9.5%) genes with four alleles, 21 (33.3%) with three, 29 (46%) with two, 7 (11.1%) with one allele. Paralogs (tandem duplication and disperse duplicated) were also identified and characterized. These MADS-box genes were divided into two groups; Type-I (21 Mα, 4 Mβ, 4 Mγ) and Type-II (32 MIKCc, 2 MIKC*) through phylogenetic analysis with orthologs in Arabidopsis and sorghum. Structural diversity and distribution of motifs were studied in detail. Chromosomal localizations revealed that S. spontaneum MADS-box genes were randomly distributed across eight homologous chromosome groups. The expression profiles of these MADS-box genes were analyzed in leaves, roots, stem sections and after hormones treatment. Important alleles based on promoter analysis and expression variations were dissected. qRT-PCR analysis was performed to verify the expression pattern of pivotal S. spontaneum MADS-box genes and suggested that flower timing genes (SOC1 and SVP) may regulate vegetative development.

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the MADS-Box Gene Family in Theobroma cacao

“…A better understanding of this family in terms of their member feature, structure characteristics can provide new ideas for further functional analysis. Compared with previous studies, the number of this family member varies in different species, with 107 in Arabidopsis [18], 105 in populus trichocarpa [19], 48 in pineapple [20], 182 in Saccharum spontaneum [21], 44 in Erigeron breviscapus [19,22], 64 in Salix suchowensis [43]. A total of 69 MADS-box proteins were identified from the coco tree in this study (Table 1), which is less than that in Arabidopsis.…”

“…Although MADS-box genes are well-known for their roles in the flower developmental process and participating in the classical ABC flower development model, some of them have been validated to function on root and leaf morphogenesis [16,17]. To date, the MADS-box proteins have been characterized in various kinds of plants, including Arabidopsis [18], Populus trichocarpa [19], pineapple [20], Saccharum spontaneum [21], Erigeron breviscapus [22]. However, little is known regarding the MADS-box gene family in Theobroma cacao.…”

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genetic Mechanisms of Sugarcane Aphid Resistance in Grain Sorghum

“…The NAC gene group (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) is one of the largest plant-specific TF families involved in plant development, stress responses [50] and plant immune responses [51]. Similarly, members of the MADS-box gene family are involved in developmental control, signal transduction, and stress responses in various plants [52,53]. Because TFs function to regulate the expression of multiple target genes, their loss or gain of function can lead to dramatic phenotypic alterations.…”

A MADS-Box Gene CiMADS43 Is Involved in Citrus Flowering and Leaf Development through Interaction with CiAGL9

“…Overexpression SHATTERPROOF 2 ( IiSHP2 ) from Isatis indigotica produced shortened sepals that cannot completely encapsulate the flower buds in transgenic Arabidopsis [ 27 ]. These previous results suggested that some MADS-box genes have diverse roles in both vegetative and reproductive development [ 26 , 28 , 29 ]. However, their regulation mechanism need further analysis.…”

“…Another MADS-box gene ( POTM1 ) from potato specifically accumulates in vegetative growth meristem and regulates the formation of axillary buds [ 25 ]. In sugarcane, SOC1 and SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE ( SVP ) mainly regulate vegetative growth and are detected in leaves, roots, and stems [ 26 ]. Overexpression SHATTERPROOF 2 ( IiSHP2 ) from Isatis indigotica produced shortened sepals that cannot completely encapsulate the flower buds in transgenic Arabidopsis [ 27 ].…”