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 that M79 shares 98.2% homology with OsMADS7at DNA level while only 92% at the amino acid level. The transcript of M79 possesses five different polyadenylation sites. Only a single copy of M79 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 of M79 in T0 and T1, transgenic rice results in early-flowering, implying that M79 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.