Expression Characterization of ABCDE Class MADS-Box Genes in Brassica rapa with Different Pistil Types

MADS-box is a vital transcription factor family that functions in plant growth and development. Apart from , all genes in the ABCDE model that explain the molecular mechanism of floral organ development belong to the MADS-box family. Carpel and ovule numbers in plants are essential agronomic traits that determine seed yield, and multilocular siliques have great potential for the development of high-yield varieties of . In this study, ABCDE genes in the MADS-box family from were identified and characterized. Their tissue-specific expression patterns in floral organs and their differential expression in different pistil types of . were revealed by qRT-PCR. A total of 26 ABCDE genes were found to belong to the MADS-box family. Our proposed ABCDE model of . is consistent with that of , indicating that ABCDE genes are functionally conserved. These results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of class C and D genes were significantly different between the wild-type (wt) and tetracarpel ( ) mutant of . . Interestingly, the expression of the homologs of class E genes was imbalanced. Therefore, it is speculated that class C, D, and E genes are involved in developing the carpel and ovule of . . Our findings reveal the potential for the selection of candidate genes to improve yield traits in crops.