Isolation and expression analysis of AGAMOUS-like genes from Eucalyptus grandis

In this study, as a first step to achieve a goal to produce genetically-engineered sterile Eucalyptus, we focused on the AGAMOUS-like genes which are especially involved in stamen formation. Three new distinct cDNA fragments (EgAGL1, EgAGL2 and EgAGL3) and two distinct genomic DNA fragments (EgAGL1 and EgAGL2) encoding MADS-box proteins were isolated from Eucalyptus grandis. In the present study, three genes have 62-74% homology with the Arabidopsis AGAMOUS (AG) gene in deduced amino acid level. EgAGL1, EgAGL2 and EgAGL3 were classified close to the AGAMOUS gene by phylogenic analysis. EgAGL1 and EgAGL2 were strongly expressed in flower buds, and consequently may regulate stamen formation in Eucalyptus.