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

Peiyuan Ying; Caiqin Li; Xuncheng Liu; Rui Xia; Minglei Zhao; Jianguo Li

doi:10.1038/srep37135

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.

Authors

Peiyuan Ying^{1

2}, Caiqin Li^{1

2}, Xuncheng Liu³, Rui Xia^{1

2}, Minglei Zhao^{1

2}, Jianguo Li^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, China Litchi Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
² Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
³ Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.

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