Functional Studies of the Pollen-Specific Genes, StLAT52s in Potato

Pollen viability is a limiting factor in potato hybridization, although it varies considerably among potato varieties. Exploring the molecular basis of pollen viability will give a theoretical foundation for improving hybridization. In this research, we showed that the four StLAT52 genes, namely StLAT52a, StLAT52b, StLAT52c and StLAT52d were the key genes affecting potato pollen viability, and they were only expressed in flowers. It was also noted that these genes were localized in the nucleus. An assessment of protein–protein interactions showed that StLAT52a and StLAT52b proteins, StLAT52a and StLAT52c proteins, and StLAT52b and StLAT52c proteins interacted both in vitro and in vivo. When these genes were transferred into tobacco, the number of pollen grains significantly increased, and the pollen viability increased by almost 10%. In addition, the expression of the StLAT52 genes in tobacco resulted in significant changes in genes associated with the proteasome, ribosome biogenesis and plant hormone signal transduction pathways during the flowering stage. Taken together, this research provided an in-depth understanding of the structure and functions of the LAT52 genes in potatoes and their association with pollen viability. The results of this research can be used as a basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism underlying pollen viability.