MADS - Flowering C (FLC) Sequences from the Early Embryonic Stages of Moringa oleifera Lam.: Identified and Cloned

MADS-box   genes  are  dominant  organ identity genes  represented  through the whole genome  of  plants  which encode for  MADS  domain transcription factors.  Moringa oleifera Lam.  is  a  tree   with conspicuous white to cream   flowers.  Flowering begins in January and continues to March. The pods contain black winged seeds.    Genes which control flowering and seed development in M. oleifera has not been previously identified. This research  aimed  to identify and clone the MADS-flowering C (FLC) sequences in the embryonic stages of  M.  oleifera.   DNA was amplified, cloned and sequenced.    cDNA was synthesized  using RACE-PCR and subsequently cloned.  Results indicated 13 nucleotides with  blastx  amino acid sequence identity with Cicorium intybus L. MADS-FLC.  Eight cloned cDNA products using RACE-PCR showed 86-100% homology with either MADS-FLC-like protein 2  and 3 sequences of C. intybus L. Blastx results of cloned genomic DNA PCR showed 5 amplicons with 96-100% homology with the same proteins.   An 8-amino acid sequence overlap at bases 26-33 that are similar to MEF2-type MADS-box portion of the conserved domain of C. intybus L.  FLC-like protein 2 was  identified.  Similarly,  bases 6-25 showed an identity  with the C. intybus L. MADS-FLC M-type domain.  The FLC gene is the major target  of  vernalization which  encodes a transcription factor that blocks flowering.  Flowering and seed development in Moringa oleifera at the genetic level are not yet fully understood,  hence,  this study  will possibly shed light on the understanding of the role of the FLC gene in the flowering and seed development of M. oleifera.