Fruitlet abscission: A cDNA-AFLP approach to study genes differentially expressed during shedding of immature fruits reveals the involvement of a putative auxin hydrogen symporter in apple (Malus domestica L. Borkh)

Apple Malus X domestica fruitlet abscission is preceded by a stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis and a gain in sensitivity to the hormone. This phase was studied by a differential screening carried out by cDNA-AFLP in abscising (AF) and non-abscising (NAF) fruitlet populations. Fifty-three primer combinations allowed for the isolation of 131, 66 and 30 differentially expressed bands from cortex, peduncle and seed, respectively. All sequences were then classified as up- or down-regulated by comparing the profile in AFs and NAFs. Almost all of these sequences showed significant homology to genes encoding proteins with known or putative function. The gene ontology analysis of the TDFs isolated indicated a deep change in metabolism, plastid and hormonal status, especially auxin. Furthermore, some common elements between abscission and senescence were identified. The isolation of the full length of one of these TDFs allowed for the identification of a gene encoding an auxin hydrogen symporter (MdAHS). Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the deduced protein shares some features with other auxin efflux carriers, which include PINs. Nevertheless the 3D structure pointed out substantial differences and a conformation largely dissimilar from canonical ion transporters. The expression analysis demonstrated that this gene is regulated by light and development but not affected by ethylene or auxin.