Abstract
To understand the
mechanisms of male sterility in cotton (Gossypium
spp.), combined histological, biochemical and transcription analysis using
RNA-Seq was carried out in the anther of the single-gene recessive genic male sterility system
of male sterile line 1355A and male fertile line 1355B,
which are near-isogenic lines (NILs) differing only in the fertility trait. A
total of 2,446 differentially expressed genes were identified between the
anthers of 1355AB lines, at three different stages of development. Cluster
analysis and functional assignment of differentially expressed genes revealed
differences in transcription associated with pollen wall and
anther development, including the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, pectin
and cellulose. Histological and biochemical analysis revealed that a major
cellular defect in the 1355A was a thicker nexine, consistent with
the RNA-seq data, and further gene expression studies implicated differences in
fatty acids synthesis and metabolism. This study provides insight into the
phenotypic characteristics and gene regulatory network of the genic male sterile line 1355A in
upland cotton.
http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/150605/srep09608/full/srep09608.html