Abstract:

A cDNA containing an open reading frame and 5′ untranslated regions was isolated from Phyllostachys edulis by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using degenerate primers and by 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE),and named as PeMADS1 (GenBank accession No. EU327784). PeMADS1 was 776 bp and encoded a protein of 240 aa. The gene had a typical MADS-box gene structure. Homology analysis showed that PeMADS1 shared 57.2% similarity with AGL6, indicating that it belongs to E function genes. The plant expression vector of PeMADS1 gene driven by CaMV 35S promoter was constructed and transferred into Arabidopsis thaliana. Ectopic expression of PeMADS1 was confirmed by RT-PCR. The transgenic plant showed different phenotype such as early flowering,curled rosette or stunt, which indicated that PeMADS1 might participate in regulating the flower development of P. edulis.

Key words: Phyllostachys edulis, MADS-box gene, ectopic expression