Identification and in silico analysis of PHANTASTICA gene in Saintpaulia ionantha H. Wendl (Gesneriaceae)

Abstract

Saintpaulia ionantha H. Wendl (synonym Streptocarpus ionanthus) has been considered an ornamental plant. ThePHANTASTICA (PHAN) gene has a significant role in the formation of plant organs adaxial–abaxial polarity. In the present study thePHAN gene was identified in Saintpaulia for the first time using PCR. To determine the expression pattern of the PHAN gene, geneexpression was compared at 3 developmental stages using real time PCR. For in silico analyses, protein characteristics, secondary and3D structures of protein, intracellular localization, and the phylogenetic tree were investigated using bioinformatics tools. The partialCDS of PHAN gene contained 756 nucleotides, a predicted protein encoded with 252 amino acids with a molecular weight of 28,474Da. The presence of the HTH MYB-type motif in this sequence indicated that the PHAN protein belonged to the MYB family. Thesecondary structure of the PHAN protein was composed of 45% α-helix. The predicted PHAN protein 3D structure revealed thatthis protein can bind to nucleic acids. The binding site sequence included amino acids 10(R), 12(W), 13(H), 66(W), and 67(K). Theintracellular localization of PHAN protein is believed to be in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that species belonging to eachfamily were grouped in same clade. Gene expression revealed that in the later stages of petal development, expression was reduced. Theresults suggest that the expression pattern of the PHAN gene is that of adaxial–abaxial symmetry initiation during petal developmentas well as in the leaves of Saintpaulia. It appears that genetic engineering using biotechnology would be beneficial for improving theornamental value of Saintpaulia.