Genes from the APETALA3 and PISTILLATA Lineages are Expressed in Developing Vascular Bundles of the Tuberous Rhizome, Flowering Stem and Flower Primordia of Eranthis hyemalis

In Arabidopsis thaliana expression of the B-class MADS-box genes APETALA3 (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI) is confined to petals and stamens but in other plant species these genes are also transcribed in non-flower tissues; in Solanum tuberosum they are transcribed specifically in vascular bundles leading to petals and stamens. Transcription analysis of B-class genes in Eranthis hyemalis using reverse transcribed in situ PCR revealed that both AP3 and PI are expressed in developing vascular bundles in the tuberous rhizome, flowering stem and floral primordia. In addition, AP3 and PI transcripts are also found in stems and leaves. These results suggest a more complex role of B-class genes in Eranthis and possible involvement in the development of vascular tissue.