Cloning and transcription analysis of an AGAMOUS- and SEEDSTICK ortholog in the orchid Dendrobium thyrsiflorum (Reichb. f.)

Studies have shown that several plant species posses AGAMOUS (AG) and SEEDSTICK (STK) orthologs. These genes are part of the so-called C- and D MADS-box gene lineages and play key roles in ovule development in Arabidopsis thaliana. We have cloned an AG- and STK ortholog in the orchid Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, named DthyrAG1 and DthyrAG2, respectively, and analyzed their expression patterns. Quantification by real-time RT-PCR analysis shows that both are transcribed in the mature flowers and during ovule development. Localization of the transcripts by in situ hybridization analysis in flowers reveals that both genes are transcribed in the rostellum, stigma, and stylar canal. Expression analysis during ovule development shows that DthyrAG1 is expressed only in the initial periods of placenta- and ovule development, whereas the DthyrAG2 is transcribed throughout ovule development. These results suggest that both C- and D lineage orthologs are involved in various aspects of flower development and that DthyrAG2 have a more prominent role than DthyrAG1 in late ovule development in D. thyrsiflorum.