Characterization of a novel gene encoding a phytocyanin-related protein inmorning glory (Pharbitis nil)

A cDNA for a novel phytocyanin homolog was cloned from apical buds of morni ng glory (Pharbitis nil). The predicted protein was most similar to a famil y of early nodulins, which are expressed during the formation of symbiotic root nodules of legume plants, and less similar to typical phytocyanins suc h as lacquer tree stellacyanin and cucumber basic protein. The amino acid s equence predicted that it is a secreted protein associated with other compo nents of the extracellular matrix. Hybridization analyses showed that the t ranscript was expressed specifically in meristems and procambia of apical b uds and root tips. The transcript level in the apical buds decreased signif icantly on flower-inducing treatment. Involvement of this phytocyanin-relat ed protein in plant organ differentiation is discussed. (C) 2000 Academic P ress.