Abstract
Cryptomeria japonica is one of major conifer species. We consider genetic modification (GM) also can be a powerful tool for breeding. But the potential of GM plants to transfer foreign genes through pollen to related plant species has been cited as an environmental concern. For the purpose of creating male sterile GM Cryptomeria japonica, we are trying to identify genes related to flower formation.
Plants contain a variety of MADS box genes that encode regulatory proteins and play important roles in both the formation of flower meristem and the determination of floral organ identity. We have isolated and characterized several MADS-box genes from Cryptomeria japonica using PCR amplification and 3'RACE method. Template cDNA were synthesized from total RNA derived from developing male strobili. As a result 6 novel MADS-box genes were isolated. RT-PCR analysis revealed that one of these genes, M8, was more strongly expressed in male strobilus.
