KNOTTED1-like homeobox genes of a gymnosperm, Norway spruce, expressed during somatic embryogenesis

Two Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) genes belonging to class I of the KNOTTED1-like homeobox (KNOX) genes, HBK2 and HBK3, were cloned with PCR-based methods. The expression of these and a previously characterised related gene, HBK1, in different organs and during somatic embryogenesis was studied with RT-PCR. Transcripts of all three genes were detected in stems, roots and in cone buds, but not in needles. HBK1 and HBK3 are expressed throughout development in a normal cell line with embryogenic potential and in a cell line unable to form somatic embryos. HBK2 is expressed in the normal cell line, but not in the developmentally arrested cell line. This suggests that the HBK2 gene is involved in the somatic embryo development.