Analysis Of Domains Of OsREP1 Involved In Rice Floral Organ Development

TCP genes encode plant-specitfc transcription factors with bHLH motifs that allow DNA binding and protein-protein interactions. This domain was initially identified in three proteins encoded by apparently unrelated genes, from which the name’TCP’was derived: the TEOSINTE BRANCHED1 (TB1) from maize (Zea mays), the CYCLOIDEA(CYC) from snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), and the PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS 1 and 2 (PCF1 and PCF2) from rice (Oryza sativa). Gene duplication and diversitcation has generated two clades (class Ⅰ and Ⅱ) with slightly different TCP domains. The TCP gene family has five members in the lycophytes and >20 members in the eudicots.The previous research shown OsREP1 has strong self-activation in yeast two-hybrid experiments. Several domains that may play an important role in yeast self-activation are predicted. The analysis of some core TCP gene family numbers indicates some domains are relatively conservative. By tertiary structure prediction, Q and D domains that may play an important role in protein function are targeted. In this study, the yeast self-activation vector without some certain domains is conducted to identify the function of some domains. Through the overexpression of OsREP1 in Arabidopsis, we found that OsREPI were involved in the regulation of shoot branch development and cell division and differentiation in Arabidopsis.TCP genes are plant-specific transcription factors and can regulate diverse functions in plants. This research initially studies the TCP genes through domains, and provides some firm evidence for the future research.