Unbiased genomic distribution of genes related to cell morphogenesis in cotton by chromosome mapping

Cell dedifferentiation, somatic embryogenesis, and cell wall regeneration are key steps in plant regeneration. In order to improve the efficiency of plant regeneration in cotton, we mapped genes related to cell morphogenesis. A total of 489 markers, including SSRs, PIPs, and sequence-specific markers related to cell dedifferentiation, somatic embryogenesis, and cell wall regeneration were developed. Only 19 markers showed polymorphism between parents of the mapping population upon high-resolution gel and SSCP analysis, and 21 polymorphic loci were generated. Thirteen loci were mapped on 9 cotton chromosomes, four of which were on Chr16. Seven of the 13 loci were mapped on the At sub-genome and six on the Dt sub-genome. This study provides an overview of the chromosome distribution of genes related to cell morphogenesis in cotton. The markers developed in this study will be useful in marker-assisted selection of better genotypes for plant regeneration in cotton.