Genes responding to vernalization in hexaploid wheat

Genotype-specific gene expression in response to vernalization in common wheat was examined by the differential display method. Two near-isogenic lines of Vrn-A1 ( Vrn-A1 for the spring type and vrn-A1 for the winter type) were treated by vernalization of developing embryos in detached-ear cultures. This treatment was effective to promote vrn-A1 genotypes to head at a time equivalent to that of Vrn-A1. Differential cDNA fragments were isolated by the RT-PCR method from embryos subjected to vernalization treatments for 2- and 4-weeks at DAP10 and DAP20 stages, respectively. Among 110 differential cDNA fragments isolated, 48 were examined for their chromosomal locations and designated as wec ( wheat- embryo cold treatment) genes. Seven wec genes showed genotype-specific expression in response to vernalization. The statistical analysis utilizing two recombinant inbred lines showed that four wec genes were significantly associated with heading factors.