Deciphering the Role of SVP‐Like Genes and Their Key Regulation Networks During Reproductive Cone Development in Pinus tabuliformis

Abstract

Reproductive development plays an essential role in the perpetuation of genetic material and environmental adaptation. In angiosperms, the Short Vegetative Phase (SVP) serves as a flowering repressor, influencing the development of floral organs. In this study, heterologous transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana with SVP‐like genes (PtSVL1 and PtSVL2) derived from Pinus tabuliformis significantly impacted stamen formation and pollen fertility, without altering flowering time. Gene co‐expression networks revealed that SVP‐like and SOC1‐like genes function as key coregulatory transcription factors during the initial stages of cone development in P. tabuliformis. Interestingly, the regulatory module of SOC1 regulated by SVP in angiosperms is absent in conifers and conifer SVP‐like exercises its function in a form that is physically bound to SOC1‐like. Furthermore, combining the yeast one‐hybrid scanning with co‐expression network analysis, revealed that SPLs and TPSs were the principal downstream target genes of PtSVL1. Notably, the PtSPL16 promoter is positively regulated by PtSVL1, and overexpression of PtSPL16 results in delayed flowering in Arabidopsis, suggesting that the PtSVL1‐PtSPL16 module plays a crucial role in regulating reproductive development in conifers. Collectively, these findings enhance our understanding of the roles of SVP‐like genes in conifers and the key regulatory networks centred on PtSVL1 during reproductive cone development.