Abstract:To study the functions of SEP-like genes in bamboo, a SEP homolog was isolated from Phyllostachys violanscens, and named as PvMADS5. The full-length ORF of PvMADS5 is 687bp and encod a protein of 228aa. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that PvMADS5 belongs to OsMADS5 subfamily and was homologous to SEP-like protein from Fargesia nitida, Phyllostachys edulis and Dendrocalamus latiflorus. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed PvMADS5 was expressed in all the tested organs of flowering and non-flowering bamboo plants. Based on subcelluar localization assay PvMADS5 was shown to be a nuclear protein. Overexpression PvMADS5 in wild-type Arabidopsis delayed flowering, and caused narrow and small rosetta leaves, suggesting that PvMADS5 might be a floral repressor and involved in the leaf development. This study will provide valuable information for further disclosing the mechanism of bamboo flowering.