In situ localization of calmodulin mRNA in the developing tobacco anthers

The temporal and spatial expression patterns of calmodulin mRNA in the developing tobacco anthers were investigated by in situ RNA hybridization, using digoxigening-labeled anti-RNA probe. Calmodulin mRNA was distributed in various developmental stages of tobacco anthers, but the expression level had temporal and spatial differences distinctly. During early stage of anther development, the expression level of calmodulin mRNA was significantly high, mainly distributed in epidermis, tapetum and transfusion parenchyma cells and so on. Especially, more mRNA was accumulated in the nuclei and chromosomes of microspore mother cells prior to and during meiosis. With the development of anther, mRNA was decreased gradually in the anther wall and pollen. By mature pollen stage, only a stronger positive reaction still existed in the epidermis of anther wall and transfusion parenchyma cells. The results suggest that the temporal and spatial expression of calmodulin mRNA is closely correlated with cell division, pollen development and substance transport.