The three typical aspartic proteinase genes of Arabidopsis thaliana are differentially expressed

Xia Chen, Joanne E. Pfeil, Susannah Gal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Genomic sequencing has identified three different typical plant aspartic proteinases in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, named Pasp-A1, A2 and A3. A1 is identical to a cDNA we had previously isolated and the two others produce proteins 81 and 63% identical to that predicted protein. Sequencing of the aspartic proteinase protein purified from Arabidopsis seeds showed that the peptides are derived from two of these genes, A1 and A2. Using gene specific probes, we have analyzed RNA from different tissues and found these three genes are differentially expressed. A1 mRNA is detected in all tissues analyzed and more abundant in leaves during the light phase of growth. The other two genes are expressed either primarily in flowers (A3) or in seeds (A2). In situ hybridization demonstrated that all three genes are expressed in many cells of the seeds and developing seed pods. The A1 and A3 genes are expressed in the sepals and petals of flowers as well as the outer layer of the style, but are not expressed in the transmitting tract or on the stigmatal surface. The A2 gene is weakly expressed only in the transmitting tissue of the style. All three genes are also expressed in the guard cells of sepals. These data suggest multiple roles for aspartic proteinases besides those proposed in seeds.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4675-4684
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Biochemistry
Volume269
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biochemistry

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