C- and D-class MADS-box genes from Phalaenopsis equestris (Orchidaceae) display functions in gynostemium and ovule development

Plant Cell Physiol. 2012 Jun;53(6):1053-67. doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcs048. Epub 2012 Apr 11.

Abstract

Gynostemium and ovule development in orchid are unique developmental processes in the plant kingdom. Characterization of C- and D-class MADS-box genes could help reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying gynostemium and ovule development in orchids. In this study, we isolated and characterized a C- and a D-class gene, PeMADS1 and PeMADS7, respectively, from Phalaenopsis equestris. These two genes showed parallel spatial and temporal expression profiles, which suggests their cooperation in gynostemium and ovule development. Furthermore, only PeMADS1 was ectopically expressed in the petals of the gylp (gynostemium-like petal) mutant, whose petals were transformed into gynostemium-like structures. Protein-protein interaction analyses revealed that neither PeMADS1 and PeMADS7 could form a homodimer or a heterodimer. An E-class protein was needed to bridge the interaction between these two proteins. A complementation test revealed that PeMADS1 could rescue the phenotype of the AG mutant. Overexpression of PeMADS7 in Arabidopsis caused typical phenotypes of the D-class gene family. Together, these results indicated that both C-class PeMADS1 and D-class PeMADS7 play important roles in orchid gynostemium and ovule development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • DNA, Plant / genetics
  • DNA, Plant / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Genes, Plant
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • MADS Domain Proteins / genetics*
  • MADS Domain Proteins / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Orchidaceae / anatomy & histology
  • Orchidaceae / genetics*
  • Orchidaceae / growth & development
  • Ovule / genetics
  • Ovule / growth & development*
  • Ovule / ultrastructure
  • Phenotype
  • Phylogeny
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / anatomy & histology
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / growth & development
  • Pollination
  • Protein Interaction Mapping

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • MADS Domain Proteins
  • Plant Proteins