Models of Flowering Gene Networks and their Adaptation for the Analysis of Vernalization Mechanisms in Legumes

Abstract

Flowering time is the most important agronomic trait used in breeding and determining yield. Vernalization, or long-term exposure to cold, accelerates flowering and increases the yields of many crops. The molecular mechanisms of the effect of vernalization on the transition to flowering have been studied well in Arabidopsis thaliana, but remain largely unclear for legumes. Mathematical modeling is an effective tool for identifying regulatory interactions in gene networks based on gene expression data. In this review, we consider previously developed approaches to modeling gene networks of flowering and the prospects for their adaptation to analyze the mechanisms of vernalization in legumes.