Molecular cloning and characterization of a LEAFY-like gene highly expressed in developing soybean seeds

LEAFY (LFY)-like proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play essential roles in plant growth and development. In this study, a LEAFY homologue in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], designated as GmLFY was cloned from inflorescences by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. Sequence analysis showed that GmLFY cDNA contained a 1221 bp open reading frame, encoding 407 amino acid residues with typical characteristics of transcription factors. Subcellular localization in onion epidermal cells indicated that GmLFY protein was located in the nucleus. Analysis of the GmLFY genomic structure showed that the GmLFY gene has two introns with similar spliced sites as LFY-like genes in other plants. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated that GmLFY was predominantly expressed in reproductive organs, such as inflorescences, pods and developing seeds. Further analysis showed that the expression level of GmLFYwas higher in the middle stage than in the early or late stages of seed development, suggesting an essential regulatory role of GmLFY in soybean seed development.