Positional identification of a candidate gene for MALE STERILITY 2 (MS2) by linkage mapping and transcriptomic data in Cryptomeria japonica D. Don

This study aimed to identify the causal gene responsible for MS2-type male sterility in Cryptomeria japonica, a major conifer species in Japan. By integrating linkage analysis, gene expression profiling, and mutation screening, we identified a GDSL esterase/lipase gene with a missense mutation (S40F) as the most likely candidate. These findings contribute to understanding male sterility mechanisms and provide valuable genomic resources for marker-assisted selection and the development of pollen-free cultivars, helping to reduce airborne pollen and mitigate pollinosis.

本研究旨在鉴定日本主要针叶树种柳杉（Cryptomeria japonica）中MS2型雄性不育的因果基因。通过整合连锁分析、基因表达谱分析与突变筛选技术，我们成功鉴定出一个携带错义突变（S40F）的GDSL酯酶/脂肪酶（GDSL esterase/lipase）基因，该基因为最具可能性的候选基因。本研究结果不仅有助于阐明雄性不育的分子机制，还可为标记辅助选择（marker-assisted selection）及无花粉品种培育提供宝贵的基因组资源，助力减少空气中的花粉飘散量，缓解花粉症（pollinosis）。