HMG-CoA reductase gene families that differentially accumulate transcripts in potato tubers are developmentally expressed in floral tissues.

We isolated two full-length cDNA clones encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) from potato (Solanum tuberosum) L. tubers. The clones, designated hmg2.2 and hmg3.3, are members of previously described gene subfamilies. In addition to being induced by arachidonic acid in tubers, hmg2.2 transcript accumulates developmentally in young flowers, and in mature sepals and ovaries, whereas transcript for hmg3.3 accumulates in mature petals and anthers. Our data suggest that members of specific HMGR-encoding gene subfamilies might be involved in both defense responses and flower development. Accumulation of different HMGR transcripts could provide some control of isoprenoid biosynthesis by producing isoforms specific for classes of end-products produced in particular tissues.