Characterization and expression of the somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase 1 (SERK1) gene during somatic embryogenesis of Larix kaempferi

Somatic embryogenesis not only plays a significant role in understanding the mechanism of embryogenesis, but also in improving the breeding of Larix kaempferi(Lamb.) Carr. The somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase 1 (SERK1) gene is considered as an essential element involved in the early stage of this process. The expression pattern of the homolog of SERK1 of L.kaempferi in different culture conditions was studied. LaSERK1 shared all the characteristic domains of the SERKfamily. The qRT-PCR showed that LaSERK1 was highly expressed in L.kaempferi early embryogenic cells cultured in the mature medium. These results suggest that LaSERK1might perform a significant role during early somatic embryogenesis of L.kaempferi, and might be a potential marker of early embryogenic cells.