Analysis of biological functions of progesterone in plant

Abstract

Progesterone is an animal steroid hormone that functions as a corpus luteum hormone. Recently, we identified progesterone from Arabidopsis, rice, tomato and pea, suggesting that progesterone is a ubiquitous constituent of plants. To clarify the biological function of progesterone in plants, Arabidopsis was germinated and grown in the presence or absence of progesterone under the various light conditions. Arabidopsis hypocotyl and petiole showed elongation in some conditions. These functions might be similar to brassinolide functions. Analysis of possible function of progesterone for another plant organ is in progress. In addition, to clarify the molecular mechanism of progesterone bioactivity for plant, we analyzed candidate genes related to progesterone biosynthesis by microarray analysis