Identification of target genes of the DELLA protein RGL2 during the repression of seed germination

To shed light on the genetic events downstream of DELLA proteins, we have employed a microarray expression profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds to identify target genes of the DELLA protein RGL2. Seeds of the germinating ga1-3 rga-t2 rgl2-1 and the non-germinating ga1-3 rga-t2 mutant were stratified, and RNA was extracted after five days. Transcript profiles of the non-germinating seeds closely resemble profiles of dormant seeds, and several transcription factors involved in light- and phytohormone-regulated signalling pathways appear to be up-regulated, suggesting that RGL2 controls various physiological aspects to inhibit seed germination. Gene expression five days after stratification was measured in ga1-3 rga-t2 seeds, using seeds of the ga1-3 rga-t2 rgl2-1 mutant as reference. Two biological replicates were performed for each sample.