Comparative Genomics in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.): Identification and Characterisation of an Orthologue for the Rice Plant Architecture-Controlling Gene OsABCG5. (15th September 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shinozuka, Hiroshi; Cogan, Noel O. I.; Spangenberg, German C.; Forster, John W.
• Other Names: Sourdille Pierre Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of plant genomics. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-09-15
• Subjects: Plant genetics -- Periodicals; Plant genomes -- Periodicals; Génétique végétale; Plantes -- Génomes; Plant genetics; Plant genomes; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 572.8605
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/291563
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-5370

Abstract

Abstract : Perennial ryegrass is an important pasture grass in temperate regions. As a forage biomass-generating species, plant architecture-related characters provide key objectives for breeding improvement. In silico comparative genomics analysis predicted colocation between a previously identified QTL for plant type (erect versus prostrate growth) and the ortholocus of the rice Os ABCG5 gene ( Lp ABCG5), as well as related QTLs in other Poaceae species. Sequencing of an Lp ABCG5-containing BAC clone identified presence of a paralogue ( Lp ABCG6) in the vicinity of the Lp ABCG5 locus, in addition to three other gene-like sequences. Comparative genomics involving five other 5 grass species (rice, Brachypodium, sorghum, maize, and foxtail millet) revealed conserved microsynteny in the ABCG5 ortholocus-flanking region. Gene expression profiling and phylogenetic analysis suggested that the two paralogues are functionally distinct. Fourteen additional ABCG5 gene family members, which may interact with the Lp ABCG5 gene, were identified through sequencing of transcriptomes from perennial ryegrass leaf, anther, and pistils. A larger-scale phylogenetic analysis of the ABCG gene family suggested conservation between major branches of the Poaceae family. This study identified the Lp ABCG5 gene as a candidate for the plant type determinant, suggesting that manipulation of gene expression may provide valuable phenotypes for perennial ryegrass breeding.