Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Landis, Jacob Brian [1], Soltis, Douglas [2], Soltis, Pamela  S. [3].

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the evolution and development of flower size differences in Saltugilia (Polemoniaceae).

The interaction of flowers and their pollinators is part of the reason for the diversity and success of the flowering plants. Even though the general developmental aspects of flowers are fairly well understood, the relative importance of cell size and cell number in shaping floral size is not well understood, nor are the genetic factors controlling differences in flower size. Model organisms in the asterids and rosids have identified candidate genes thought to be responsible for flower size differences, but these genes have rarely been investigated beyond Arabidopsis thaliana, Antirrhinum majus, and Petunia hybrida. Previous work in Saltugilia also identified potential candidate genes associated with cell wall modification and maintenance that may play pivotal roles in controlling differences in cell size among species with large versus small flowers. In this study, we investigated the genetic components associated with flower size differences across all six taxa of Saltugilia. Using a de novo approach, we analyzed 36 transcriptomes (two individuals at three stages of flower development for all six taxa) for differential gene expression across developmental stages and species, with an emphasis on those cell wall candidates previously identified. Specifically, expression profiles of all known candidate genes from model organisms and previously identified genes in Saltugilia associated with cell wall modification were characterized across the phylogeny to elucidate the genetic components of flower size evolution in Saltugilia, particularly in relation to floral differences associated with pollinator shifts. Further genetic network analyses were also conducted across the three developmental stages within species to understand the genetic control of differences in cell size and cell type observed previously.

1 - University Of Florida, Dept Of Biology, Florida Museum Of Natural History - Dickinson Hall, Museum Road And Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
2 - University of Florida, Dept. of Biology, 1659 Museum Road, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
3 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, PO BOX 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7800, USA, 352/273-1964

Keywords:
Polemoniaceae
flower size
comparative transcriptome
Saltugilia.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 2, Evolution and Development
Location: 200/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: 2003
Abstract ID:384
Candidate for Awards:Katherine Esau Award