Identification of genes expressed in axillary meristem in tobacco

Lateral branches vigorously proliferate in tobacco after the topping of the inflorescence portions of stems for the maturation of the leaves to be harvested. Therefore, tobacco varieties with inhibited lateral shoot formation are highly desired by tobacco farmers. Genetic inhibition of lateral shoot formation was attempted in tobacco. The goal of this project is to identify genes involved in regulation of axillary bud formation. We collected tissues at early (EA) and very early (VE) axillary meristem developmental stages and control tissues sampled by laser micro-dissection. Total RNA was extracted from the tissues and analyzed using the 454 GS FLX next-generation sequencer (454 Life Sciences, Roche).