APOLLO: A Candidate Allele Linked To Apomeiosis In Boechera

Using a microarray-based uproach, we have identified a single candidate gene (Apollo) whose expression is highly correlated with meiotically-unreduced egg cell formation (i.e. apomeiosis) in apomictic members of the genus Boechera.  Our analyses of this candidate, ranging from evolutionary, population genetic and functional studies, all support the hypothesis that it is a key factor for apomixis expression in Boechera.  Our initial transformation work in both mono- and dicots furthermore suggest that this factor can induce apomixis-like effects during seed formation, although this information should be considered as preliminary until these data have been verified using multiple experimental approaches.