A cDNA, Atcys-3A, encoding O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase has been isolate
d from Arabidopsis thaliana. The deduced peptide sequence showed a hig
h level of similarity with the bacterial counterpart, and a remarkable
percentage of identity with other higher plant O-acetylserine(thiol)l
yase genes. Sequence comparision and Southern blot analysis suggested
that Atcys-3A was a new and different to the previously reported membe
r of the cytosolic gene family in Arabidopsis. The Atcys-3A expression
was activated by sulfur limitation, requiring a carbon and nitrogen s
ource for maximal expression, A similar pattern of regulation was obse
rved at the O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase activity level. Northern blot a
nalysis also showed an organ-specific expression of Atcys-3A.