Transcriptional analysis of gene expression during sexual versus apomictic reproduction in Boechera

In higher plants sexual and asexual reproduction through seeds (apomixis) are common. To gain insights into the transcriptional basis underlying apomixis versus sexual reproduction we applied RNA-Seq on reproductive tissues at key steps of development of the reproductive lineage (germline) in Boechera. Our study comprised 7 Boechera accessions representing 5 species, and sexual and apomictic mode of reproduction. Tissues sampled by laser assisted microdissection were nucellus tissues of the ovule harboring the megaspore mother cell or apomictic initial cell, and nucellus tissues harboring the functional megaspore or first cell of the gametophytic lineage. In addition, ovules harboring mature gametophytes were isolated by manual microdissection. For all samples RNA (either single or paired end) was performen on the Illumina NextSeq500 plattform.