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 amplified by RT-PCR from rice fluorescence at meiosis stage and then cloned. Sequence analysis shows thatM79 shares 98.2% homology withOsMADS7 at DNA level while only 92% at the amino acid level. The transcript ofM79 possesses five different polyadenylation sites. Only a single copy ofM79 gene has been found in rice genome, which is located on chromosome 8.M79 is expressed specifically in flower organs, from pre-meiosis stage through pollen maturation. Ectopic expression ofM79 in T0 and T1 transgenic rice results in early-flowering, implying thatM79 is involved in controlling the flowering time. In the same time,M79 may be involved in controlling the branching process to make more flower buds.