ABSTRACT
Objective: To clone the MADS-box gene denoted AGL15 from total RNA of Lonicera macranthoides based on previous transcriptome sequencing data and analyze the bioinformatics and expression of the gene. Methods: The gene containing intact open reading frame (ORF) was cloned by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The similarity comparison and homology analysis on the sequence were carried out using bioinformatic method, the coding protein was predicted and the physicochemical properties were analyzed. The expression of the gene in different locations of L. macranthoides was determined by semiquantitative PCR using gene-specific primers. Results: The Lm-AGL15 gene, containing a 795 bp ORF that encoded 264 amino acids, was cloned. The deduced protein sequence had the most similarity to the AGL15 in Vitis vinifera and exhibited two conserved motifs (MADS and K-BOX). Without transmembrane domain, Lm-AGL15 was located in cytoplasm and expressed only in each part. Conclusion: For the first time from L. macranthoides cloning could prolong the period of bud of gene, analysis of the gene expression in different parts of L. macranthoides which would provide a reference for the study of prolonging L. macranthoides bud stage.