Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Two Species during Plantlet Formation.

Few species in the genus form plantlets on their leaf margins as an asexual reproduction strategy. The limited molecular studies on plantlet formation show that an organogenesis ortholog, () and embryogenesis genes, such as () and are recruited during plantlet formation. To understand the mechanisms of two plantlet-forming species with different modes of plantlet formation, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed. Differentially expressed genes between the developmental stages were clustered in (Raym.-Hamet and H. Perrier) and (Lam. Pers.), respectively. Of these gene clusters, GO terms that may be involved in plantlet formation of both species, such as signaling, response to wounding, reproduction, regulation of hormone level, and response to karrikin were overrepresented. Compared with the common GO terms, there were more unique GO terms overrepresented during the plantlet formation of each species. A more in-depth investigation is required to understand how these pathways are participating in plantlet formation. Nonetheless, this transcriptome analysis is presented as a reliable basis for future studies on plantlet formation and development in two plantlet-forming species.