Diversification of FT-like genes in the PEBP family contributes to the variation of flowering traits in Sapindaceae species.

ABSTRACT: Many species of Sapindaceae, such as lychee, longan, and rambutan, provide nutritious and delicious fruit. Understanding the molecular genetic mechanisms that underlie the regulation of flowering is essential for securing flower and fruit productivity. Most endogenous and exogenous flowering cues are integrated into the florigen encoded by FLOWERING LOCUS T. However, the regulatory mechanisms of flowering remain poorly understood in Sapindaceae. Here, we identified 60 phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein-coding genes from six Sapindaceae plants. Gene duplication events led to the emergence of two or more paralogs of the FT gene that have evolved antagonistic functions in Sapindaceae. Among them, the FT1-like genes are functionally conserved and promote flowering, while the FT2-like gen

SUBMITTER: Huang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11251392 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature