Gene expression profiling of developing Brassica napus seed in relation to changes in major storage compounds

Seed development is controlled by a complex network of spatially and temporally expressed genes. We previously reported that carotenoid accumulation in Brassica napus seeds was developmentally regulated, with the highest levels detected at 35–40 days post-anthesis (DPA). To investigate accompanying changes in gene expression, we conducted a microarray study during the early- to middle stage of B. napus (spring cv.) seed development. Compared to seeds 35 DPA, seeds 20 DPA had 1851 genes up-regulated 2-fold or greater and 1641 genes down-regulated 2-fold or greater. Genes related to the biosynthesis of storage reserve compounds (starch, lipid, and protein), four genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, and seven genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis showed differential expression between the two developmental stages. In addition, the array provided information on molecular factors which are similar to those regulating seed reserve compounds in other plant species, and may have the potential to include transcriptional networks controlling the biosynthesis of seed carotenoids.