Characterization of VvSERK1, VvSERK2, VvSERK3 and VvL1L genes and their expression during somatic embryogenesis of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract

Little is known about the genes expressed during grapevine somatic embryogenesis. Both groups of Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase (SERK) and Leafy Cotyledon (LEC and L1L) genes seem to play key roles during somatic embryogenesis in various plant species. Therefore, we identified and analysed the sequences of VvSERK and VvL1L (Leafy cotyledon1-Like) genes. The deduced amino acid sequences of VvSERK1, VvSERK2 and VvSERK3 are very similar to that of registered SERK proteins, with highest homologies for the kinase domain in the C-terminal region. The amino acid sequence of VvL1L presents all the domains that are characteristic for LEC1 and L1L proteins, particularly, the 16 amino acid residues that serve as signature of the B-domain. Phylogenetic analysis distinguishes members of subclass LEC1 and subclass L1L, and VvL1L is closely related to L1L proteins. Using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, we studied gene expression of VvSERK1, VvSERK2, VvSERK3 and VvL1L in calli and somatic embryos obtained from anther culture of Vitis vinifera L. cv Chardonnay. Expression of VvSERK2 is relatively stable during in vitro culture. In contrast, VvSERK1, VvSERK3 and VvL1L are expressed more 4 to 6 weeks after transfer of the calli onto embryo induction medium, before the visible appearance of embryos on the calli as seen by environmental scanning electron microscopy. Later on (8 weeks after transfer) VvSERK1 expression is maintained in the embryogenic calli and VvSERK3 in the embryos, whereas VvL1L expression is very low. All together, these data suggest the involvement of VvSERK and VvL1L genes in grapevine somatic embryogenesis.

Characterization and expression analysis of somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase genes from Phalaenopsis

“…Therefore, PhSERK4 appears to be a marker for normal protocorm development in this orchid. Schellenbaum et al (2008) observed that VvSERK1 and 3 were highly expressed during somatic embryo induction, before the visible appearance of embryos. VvSERK2 appears to be stably expressed and differs from the 2 other VvSERK genes (Schellenbaum et al, 2008).…”

“…Schellenbaum et al (2008) observed that VvSERK1 and 3 were highly expressed during somatic embryo induction, before the visible appearance of embryos. VvSERK2 appears to be stably expressed and differs from the 2 other VvSERK genes (Schellenbaum et al, 2008). In wheat, TaSERK1 and 2 transcript levels were enhanced in embryogenic calli and may have a role during somatic embryogenesis, whereas TaSERK3 expression was the highest in developing seeds (Singla et al, 2008).…”

“…OsSERK1 is thought to be partially responsible for mediating defense signal transduction and has a basic role in rice somatic embryogenesis (Hu et al, 2005). More homologs of SERK have been identified in several plant species, including Dactylis glomerata (Somleva et al, 2000), Medicago truncatula (Nolan et al, 2003(Nolan et al, , 2009, Ocotea catharinensis (Santa-Catarina et al, 2004), Helianthus annuus (Thomas et al, 2004), Theobroma cacao (Santos et al, 2005), Citrus unshiu (Shimada et al, 2005), Triticum aestivum (Singla et al, 2008), Vitis vinifera (Schellenbaum et al, 2008), Solanum tuberosum (Sharma et al, 2008), Cocos nucifera (Perez-Núñez et al, 2009), Lactuca sativa (Santos et al, 2009), Rosa hybrida (Zakizadeh et al, 2010), Musa acuminata (Huang et al, 2010), Secale cereale (Gruszczyńska and Rakoczy-Trojanowska, 2011), Glycine max (Yang et al, 2011), Cyclamen persicum (Savona et al, 2012), Ananas comosus (Ma et al, 2012a,b), and Cyrtochilum loxense (Cueva et al, 2012). These reports all point to SERK as a specific marker of embryogenic competence during morphogenesis induction.…”

The Promiscuous Life of Plant NUCLEAR FACTOR Y Transcription Factors

“…This suggestion comes from the fact that LEC1 and L1L were identified before the original Arabidopsis classification and many studies refer to this nomenclature (Zhang et al, 2002;Yazawa et al, 2004;Alemanno et al, 2008;Schellenbaum et al, 2008;Maillot et al, 2009;Salvini et al, 2012). We suggest that reporting on these proteins include mention of the NF-Y names to assist nonexpert readers in understanding the family connection.…”

Identification of LEC1, L1L and Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 genes and their expression during the induction phase of Medicago truncatula Gaertn. somatic embryogenesis

“…The L1L is crucial for proper embryogenesis performance. Its expression was analyzed during SE induction from singlenode Helianthus annuus (Fambrini et al 2006), Theobroma cacao staminodes (Alemanno et al 2008) as well as the stamen and nodal Vitis vinifera (Schellenbaum et al 2008;Maillot at al. 2009).…”