Cloning and expression of a cDNA encoding ribosomal protein S4 from Rice (Oryza sativa)

A cDNA clone, pS4, has been isolated from a cDNA library prepared from rice anthers of about 1.0 mm in length. DNA sequence analysis and database sear ch show that the cDNA encodes a protein which is highly homologous to eukar yotic 80S ribosomal protein subunit 4 (S4). Northern hybridization indicate s that this gene expresses in all tissues analyzed although the expression level varies and it cannot be induced by mechanical wounding in leaves. Sou thern blot analysis demonstrates that this rice S4 gene is from a multigene family.