Transcriptomic analysis identifies the key genes involved in stamen petaloid in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

BACKGROUND: Flower morphology, a phenomenon regulated by a complex network, is one of the vital ornamental features in Nelumbo nucifera. Stamen petaloid is very prevalent in lotus flowers. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is still obscure. RESULTS: Here, the comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed among petal, stamen petaloid and stamen through RNA-seq. Using pairwise comparison analysis, a large number of genes involved in hormonal signal transduction pathways and transcription factors, especially the MADS-box genes, were identified as candidate genes for stamen petaloid in lotus. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results provide an insight into the molecular networks underlying lotus floral organ development and stamen petaloid. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4950-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.