The identification of sugarcane genes by random sequencing of cDNA clones

Very little is known about sugarcane gene sequences. In this study, the aim is to identify sugarcane genes expressed in the leaf roll and the mature s tem. Random DNA sequencing of cDNA clones allows the identification of gene s and the development of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs). A total of 250 clo nes randomly selected from a leaf roll cDNA library and 112 from a mature s tem library have been sequenced. Homology searches with Sequences located i n international databases have indicated a broad diversity of genes encodin g proteins such as metabolic enzymes, structural proteins and regulatory fa ctors. Preliminary analyses have indicated that although genes common to bo th the leaf roil and mature stem have been detected, several stress-related genes have been identified in the mature stem. Further studies will determ ine whether ESTs may be used to identify differentially expressed genes in sugarcane tissues.