Identification and molecular characterization of an IDA-like gene from litchi, LcIDL1, whose ectopic expression promotes floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis

Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 15:6:37135. doi: 10.1038/srep37135.

Abstract

Unexpected abscission of flowers or fruits is a major limiting factor for crop productivity. Key genes controlling abscission in plants, especially in popular fruit trees, are largely unknown. Here we identified a litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) IDA-like (INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION-like) gene LcIDL1 as a potential key regulator of abscission. LcIDL1 encodes a peptide that shows the closest homology to Arabidopsis IDA, and is localized in cell membrane and cytoplasm. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression level of LcIDL1 accumulated gradually following flower abscission, and it was obviously induced by fruit abscission-promoting treatments. Transgenic plants expressing LcIDL1 in Arabidopsis revealed a role of LcIDL1 similar to IDA in promoting floral organ abscission. Moreover, ectopic expression of LcIDL1 in Arabidopsis activated the expression of abscission-related genes. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that LcIDL1 may act as a key regulator in control of abscission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis* / genetics
  • Arabidopsis* / metabolism
  • Flowers* / genetics
  • Flowers* / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • Litchi* / genetics
  • Litchi* / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins* / biosynthesis
  • Membrane Proteins* / genetics
  • Plant Proteins* / biosynthesis
  • Plant Proteins* / genetics
  • Plants, Genetically Modified* / genetics
  • Plants, Genetically Modified* / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Plant Proteins