Structural and expression analysis of uricase mRNA from Lotus japonicus

Uricase (nodulin-35) cDNA, LjUr, was isolated from nodules of a model legum e, Lotus japonicus. LjUr expression was most abundant in nodules, although it was detected in nonsymbiotic tissues as well, particularly in roots. Exp ression in nodules was detected in uninfected cells, nodule parenchyma, and , more intensely, in vascular bundles. Phylogenetic analysis of uricase seq uences from various legumes indicated that uricases of amide- and ureide-tr ansporting legumes form two distinct clades. LjUr is in the cluster of amid e-transport legumes even though L. japonicus bears determinate nodules.