Abstract
SBP-box genes encode plant specific transcription factors and Arabidopsis has 16 SBP-like (SPL) genes. SPL10 and SPL11 show high sequence similarity in coding regions with 78% identity as well as in the 5'UTR and the promoter regions. In addition, their expression patterns are similar. These suggest that they have redundant functions. Supporting this, single mutant of either spl10 or spl11 showed no visible phenotype. To elucidate the biological function of SPL10, we applied CRES-T system to SPL10. Expression of the chimeric SPL10 repressor (35S:SPL10-SRDX) resulted in reduced apical dominance, abnormal inflorescence, short floral organs and shrunk siliques. SEM observation and transverse section of siliques revealed that the replum width was increased and the valve was bumpy. In flower, sepal formation was defect from early stage of flower development. These results indicate that SPL10 plays an important role in organogenesis. We will discuss about responsible genes for the phenotypes.
