Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Kim, Joonseog [1], Zhang, Jingbo [1], Khojayori, Farahnoz [1], Zhang, Wenheng [1].

Effect of CYC2-like genes on floral development in Solanum lycopersicum L.

For two decades, the role of CYC2-like genes has revealed the evolution and development of floral zygomorphy. The role of CYC2-like genes in the development of actinomorphic flowers, however, is still unknown. In Antirrhinum majus L. CYCLOIDEA (CYC) and DICHOTOMA (DICH) of the CYC2 clade play an important role in regulating the identity of the dorsal petal and abortion of the single dorsal stamen. Previous analysis of CYC2 gene genealogy in Solanaceae indicates that there are two subclades of CYC2, CYC2ECE and CYC2NEC. These CYC2 paralogs result from a gene duplication that predates the origin of Solanaceae. The CYC2 paralogs express during floral development in Schizanthus pinnatus Ruiz & Pav., Nicotiana obtusifolia M.Martens & Galeotti, and Solanum lycopersicum L. In So. lycopersicum, both CYC2 paralogs express in all five functional stamens, which is opposite its role in stamen abortion in A. majus. Our virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiments in Sc. pinnatus showed that down regulation of CYC2ECE leads to functional stamens bearing empty anthers and shortened filaments. In this study, we investigated the role of CYC2ECE and CYC2NEC genes in floral development in So. lycopersicum using the VIGS approach. Phytoene desaturase (PDS) was successfully down regulated in So. lycopersicum using a tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-based vector, resulting in a bleached phenotype in leaves. Ongoing work on down regulation of CYC2ECE and CYC2NEC transcripts from So. lycopersicum will be reported in order to elucidate the role of CYC2 in the development of actinomorphic flowers.

1 - Virginia Commonwealth University, Biology, 1000 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA

Keywords:
TCP genes
Solanum lycopersicum
Virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)
Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV)
Actinomorphy
Solanaceae
Reverse genetics.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo) Special Topic:Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEV005
Abstract ID:588
Candidate for Awards:None