Title: Structure and Characterization of a Gene for Light-Harvesting Chi a/b Binding Protein from Rice
Abstract: The gene for the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein from rice was cloned and se-quenced. The clone contains a 798-bp coding sequence, which is identical to that of a cDNA for type I LHCPII (Matsuoka 1990), and its 5′- and 3′-flanking regions. The coding region of this gene is not interrupted by intervening sequences, as reported for type I genes from other plants. In the 5′-flanking region, typical TATA and CAAT boxes are located 30 and 92 bp upstream from the capping site (positions −30 and −92), respectively. A putative phytochrome-responsive element (AAGATAAGG) is located at position −65 between the TATA and CAAT boxes. Comparison of sequences in the 5′-flanking regions between this gene and genes for LHCPII from other gramineous plants indicates that the rice sequence has no apparent homology to that of wheat. However, the rice sequence is highly homologous to the maize sequence, not only around the TATA and CAAT boxes but also in regions further upstream. To investigate the promoter activity of the 5′-flanking region of the gene, a chimeric gene was constructed by fusing the 5′-flanking region to the coding sequence for β-glucuronidase (GUS), and this chimeric gene was introduced into tobacco. The highest activity of GUS was observed in leaf tissue, indicating that the 5′-flanking region of the gene can act as a promoter in an organ-specific manner in tobacco. Histochemical analysis in situ was also performed to determine where GUS activity was expressed. The highest activity was found in leaf mesophyll cells. High activity was also observed in the vascular system of stems and petioles, and low activity was found in root tissue.
Publication Year: 1991
Publication Date: 1991-04-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 34
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