The SEPALLATA-like gene in regulates flower development by interacting with other MADS-box subfamily genes.

MADS-box genes are classified into five categories: ABCDE, including , , , , and other homologous genes, which play important roles in floral organ development. In this study, the cDNA sequence of the gene was cloned by RT-PCR and confirmed that this gene belongs to the MADS-box gene family. In addition, subcellular localization experiments showed that the protein was localized in the nucleus. We verified the interaction of with , , and HrAP1 using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. These genes jointly regulate the growth and development of floral organs. We also found a strong synergy between and genes in sepals, petals, and stamens by transgenic methods and fluorescence quantitative PCR, suggesting that and may co-regulate the development of these structures. In conclusion, the expression of has a certain effect on the development of floral organs, and these findings lay the foundation for further research on the biological functions of MADS transcription factors in .