Expression pattern and functional analysis of a MADS-box gene M79 from rice

Using a degenerated primer and a T-primer, a MADS-box gene, M79, was amplif ied by RT-PCR from rice fluorescence at meiosis stage and then cloned. Sequ ence analysis shows that M79 shares 98.2% homology with OsMADS7 at DNA leve l while only 92% at the amino acid level. The transcript of M79 possesses f ive different polyadenylation sites. Only a single copy of M79 gene has bee n found in rice genome, which is located on chromosome 8. M79 is expressed specifically in flower organs, from pre-meiosis stage through pollen matura tion. Ectopic expression of M79 in T-0 and T-1 transgenic rice results in e arly-flowering, implying that M79 is involved in controlling the flowering time. In the same time, M79 may be involved in controlling the branching pr ocess to make more flower buds.