Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Liu, Juan [1], Feng, Chunmiao [1], Liu, Xiang [1], Franks, Robert [2], Xiang, Qiuyun (Jenny) [1].

Comparative analyses of gene expression and sequences of LFY in Cornus (Cornaceae) - activities in floral development and inflorescence evolution.

Species of Dogwood (Cornus L.) exhibits a wide variation in inflorescence structure,including heads, umbels, dichasium, and compound cymes. The genus offers us a unique opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolutionary divergence of inflorescence architectures. Studies of Arabidopsis identified the gene LFY to be a key regulator of the pathways controlling inflorescence development, by acting on floral organ identity genes. Its activity in controlling flowering time and initiation of individual flower have also been reported in a number of other species. In this study, we investigate LFY activity in floral and inflorescence development in six dogwood species (Cornus controversa, C. sanguinea, C. macrophylla, C. officinallis, C.florida, and C. canadensis) by examining gene expressions at different developmental stages. Our preliminary results showed that LFY is expressed during the initiation and early development of inflorescences and flowers, but the expression ceased during the blooming stage in all species examined. Temporal differences of the gene expression and inter-specific sequence divergence involving both site mutations and small indels were observed in all domains (the N, I, and C) among species. Phylgenetic analyses of the cDNA sequences resulted in species relationships concordant with those inferred from other genes. The results support that the idea that activity of LFY in floral and inflorescence development is conserved in dogwood species. The pattern and rate of moleluclar evolution and underlying evolutionary forces are investigated using aphylogenetic famework. Correlation between molecular changes and inflorescence evolution is evaluated.

Broader Impacts:

1 - North Carolina State University, Plant Biology, Gardner Hall 2115, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
2 - North Carolina State University, Department of Genetics, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA

Keywords:
Cornus
LFY gene
expression
molecular evolution.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEV005
Abstract ID:468