Abstract
KNOX genes have an important role in maintenance of shoot apical meristem and are divided into two subfamilies, class 1 and 2. The functions of class 1 genes have been characterized by mutant analyses and overexpression experiments, while that of class 2 genes are still unknown, because loss-of-function mutants have not been reported and any phenotype has not been reported in its over-producing transformants.
Physcomitrella patens is a suitable model to analyze genes with unknown function, since gene targeting techniques have been established. We investigate the function of two KNOX class 2 genes, MKN1 and MKN6. Expression patterns of MKN1 mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR and the transformants in which GUS gene was inserted at the end of MKN1 coding sequence were observed to detect the expression patterns of the fusion protein. MKN1 was expressed in sporophytes, but not in gametophytes. The analyses of MKN6 are ongoing and will be presented.
