Comprehensive analysis of gene expression in immature seeds of antisense SPK transformants

Abstract

SPK specifically phosphorylates sucrose sythase, that catalyzes the reaction of an initial step in the starch biosynthesis, for its activation. Antisense SPK transformants lack the ability to accumulate storage products such as starch in immature seeds, resulting in no embryo and emdosperm. Using a microarry system, we comprehensively analyzed gene expression in immature seeds of the antisense SPK transformants. We found that expression of 125 genes were remarkably changed in the transformants as compared with the wild-type. These genes were classified into the six groups by their predicted functions. These expressions were also determined at booting stage, early stage of development, and middle stage of seed development.