Molecular Characterization of and Spatial Expression of Its Alternative Splicing Forms Associated with Flowering Transition and Flower Development in Coconut Palm ( L.).

BACKGROUND

The flowering transition is a critical process determining the onset of reproductive development and fruit production. The molecular mechanisms underlying this process in coconuts are poorly understood; however, recent studies have identified as a potential regulator of the floral transition in coconuts.

METHODS

In this study, we characterized the molecular structure of and analyzed its alternative splicing forms in tall and dwarf varieties of coconut palms during the flowering transition. We used qRT-PCR to measure the expression levels of at different developmental stages.

RESULTS

was expressed in leaves and the shoot apical meristem (SAM) during the flowering transition in both coconut varieties and flower tissues during flower development. Interestingly, the expression levels of complex isoforms of were higher in the leaves of dwarf coconuts than in those of tall coconuts, suggesting their involvement in shortening the vegetative growth phase of dwarf coconuts. The gene structure of was found to be conserved across different plant species, indicating the evolutionary conservation of the floral transition process.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the floral transition and flower development processes in coconut palm. The tissue-specific expression patterns of isoforms show their potential roles in growth and development. Further investigations focusing on the functional characterization of isoforms will have practical implications for coconut breeding and cultivation strategies.