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Expression of a microsporocyte-specific gene encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase-like protein is developmentally regulated during early microsporogenesis in rice

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Abstract

In an attempt to understand more about the molecular mechanism by which pollen development is regulated and coordinated in rice, we employed a cDNA subtraction strategy to identify genes that differentially expressed between the wild-type, AN-N and its thermosensitive genic male-sterile mutant (TGMS), AN S-1 during microsporogenesis. Eleven clones exhibiting differential expression patterns were isolated and identified. We report here in detail the molecular cloning and characterization of one of the clones, OS-DFR2 which encodes a dihydroflavonol 4-reductase-like protein. RNA gel blot analysis revealed that OS-DFR2 expressed strongly in anthers but no expression was detected in roots, leaves, stems and pistils, indicating that OS-DFR2 was a tissue-specific gene. Furthermore, the expression of OS-DFR2 was developmentally regulated during early microsporogenesis. It accumulated at high levels in anthers undergoing meiosis and reached a maximal value during tetrad formation stage in the wild-type, AN-N. In AN S-1, the expression of OS-DFR2 resembled that of AN-N except its mRNA level is approximately one-fourth of that found in AN-N at the tetrad formation stage. In situ analysis indicated that OS-DFR2 transcript was specifically expressed in microsporocyte of AN-N; whereas OS-DFR2 was present both in microsporocyte and tapetal cells in AN S-1. The significance and possible role played by OS-DFR2 during male gametophyte development in rice is discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The work described in this paper was partially supported by a grant from the University Grant Committee of Hong Kong SAR, China (AOE/B-07/99) awarded to WKY and SYZ.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Chi Ping Yau, Sze Yong Zee & Wing Kin Yip

  2. Genetic Engineering Laboratory Plant Molecular Breeding Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China

    Chu Xiong Zhuang

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  1. Chi Ping Yau
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  2. Chu Xiong Zhuang
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  4. Wing Kin Yip
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Correspondence to Wing Kin Yip.

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Yau, C.P., Zhuang, C.X., Zee, S.Y. et al. Expression of a microsporocyte-specific gene encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase-like protein is developmentally regulated during early microsporogenesis in rice. Sex Plant Reprod 18, 65–74 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00497-005-0251-2

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