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Deciphering transcriptional networks that govern Coffea arabica seed development using combined cDNA array and real-time RT-PCR approaches

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Abstract

Due to its economic importance, Coffea arabica is becoming the subject of increasing genomic research and, in particular, the genes involved in the final chemical composition of the bean and the sensorial quality of the coffee beverage. The aim of the present study was to decipher the transcriptional networks that govern the development of the C. arabica seed, a model for non-orthodox albuminous seeds of tropical origin. For this purpose, we developed a transcriptomic approach combining two techniques: targeted cDNA arrays, containing 266 selected candidate gene sequences, and real-time RT-PCR on a large subset of 111 genes. The combination of the two techniques allowed us to limit detection of false positives and to reveal the advantages of using large real-time RT-PCR screening. Multivariate analysis was conducted on both datasets and results were broadly convergent. First, principle component analysis (PCA) revealed a dramatic re-programming of the transcriptional machinery between early cell division and elongation, storage and maturation phases. Second, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) led to the identification of 11 distinct patterns of gene expression during seed development as well as to the detection of genes expressed at specific developmental stages that can be used as functional markers of phenological changes. In addition, this study led to the description of gene expression profiles for quality-related genes, most of them formerly uncharacterised in Coffea. Their involvement in storage compound synthesis and accumulation during endosperm development and final metabolic re-adjustments during maturation is discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the European Union, Région Réunion and IRD (DOCUP Réunion 2000–2006). We thank Xavier Sabau for skilled technical support in cDNA array spotting using facilities and robotics of the genotyping platform at the Montpellier Languedoc-Roussillon Genopole (http://www.genopole-montpellier-lr.org). The authors also wish to acknowledge Dr. Aurélie Lécolier (IRD) for stimulating discussions and Dr. David Pot (CIRAD) and James Tregear (IRD) for critical reading of the manuscript. Finally, we acknowledge anonymous referees for their critical comments which greatly improved the manuscript.

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  1. IRD, UMR DIAPC, Pôle de Protection des Plantes, 7 Chemin de l’IRAT, ligne Paradis, 97410, Saint Pierre, France

    Jordi Salmona & Thierry Joët

  2. IRD, UMR DIAPC, 34394, Montpellier, France

    Stéphane Dussert & Alexandre de Kochko

  3. CIRAD, Cultures Pérennes, Qualité des produits des cultures pérennes, Projet café Bourbon pointu, 97410, Saint Pierre, La Reunion, France

    Frédéric Descroix

  4. CIRAD, UMR RPB, 34394, Montpellier, France

    Benoît Bertrand

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  1. Jordi Salmona
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  2. Stéphane Dussert
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  3. Frédéric Descroix
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  4. Alexandre de Kochko
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  6. Thierry Joët
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Correspondence to Thierry Joët.

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Salmona, J., Dussert, S., Descroix, F. et al. Deciphering transcriptional networks that govern Coffea arabica seed development using combined cDNA array and real-time RT-PCR approaches. Plant Mol Biol 66, 105–124 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11103-007-9256-6

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