Toward comprehensive expression profiling by microarray analysis in citrus: monitoring the expression profiles of 2213 genes during fruit development

A citrus cDNA microarray containing 2213 independent genes was developed and utilized for a gene-expression profile of fruit development from ovary to mature fruit of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.). A principal component analysis indicated that there were two major patterns bordering on tissue division and specialization. The expression profile of genes responding to fruit development was quite different in each fruit tissue, including the juice sac, albedo and flavedo, suggesting the way in which the unique genetic regulatory networks might be organized during citrus fruit development. The cDNA microarray analysis could efficiently provide an individual gene-expression profile and a new insight to elucidate the biological mechanisms responsible for fruit development.