Identification and Characterization of <i>LaSCL6</i> Alleles in <i>Larix kaempferi</i> (Lamb.) Carr. Based on Analysis of Simple Sequence Repeats and Allelic Expression

• Main Authors: Qiao-Lu Zang, Xiang-Yi Li, Li-Wang Qi, Wan-Feng Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-12-01
• Series: Forests
• Subjects: Japanese larch; endosperm; haplotypes; genetics; breeding
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/11/12/1296

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are widely used as markers for the assessment of genetic diversity and marker-assisted breeding. In a previous study, two SSRs (GCA and CCA), were found in the genomic sequence of <i>Larix</i> (<i>La</i>) <i>SCL6</i>, which plays important roles in the growth and development of <i>Larix kaempferi</i> (Lamb.) Carr. In this study, we analyzed the polymorphisms of these two SSRs in the <i>L. kaempferi</i> population. We found that each SSR had five different polymorphisms, among which (GCA)₇ and (CCA)₇ were predominant. In addition, 12 haplotypes were detected, with (GCA)₇(CCA)₇ having the highest frequency. Furthermore, we detected the haplotypes of <i>LaSCL6</i> in mature trees and their seeds and analyzed the relationships between parents and offspring. The expression patterns of five <i>LaSCL6</i> alleles were analyzed and they showed balanced expression during vegetative development. Taken together, these findings not only provide more genetic information on <i>LaSCL6</i>, but also provide a candidate marker for genetic studies and breeding.