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 male flower formation.
Plants contain a variety of MADS-box genes that play important roles in both the formation of flower meristem and the determination of floral organ identity. We have isolated and characterized 6 MADS-box genes from Cryptomeria japonica using PCR amplification and RACE method. RT-PCR analysis revealed that one of these genes, M8, was expressed stronger in male strobilus and its transcriptional activity was increased according as the development of male strobilus. Now we are trying to determine its localization by in situ hybridization.
