A cDNA encoding ribosomal protein RPL15 from the desiccation-tolerant bryophyte Tortula ruralis: mRNA transcripts are stably maintained in desiccatedand rehydrated gametophytes

A Tortula ruralis cDNA, Rpl15, encoding a predicted polypeptide with signif icant similarity to the Large-subunit ribosomal protein L15 (RPL15) was iso lated from a desiccated gametophyte cDNA library, and is the first L15 homo logue identified from a bryophyte. The deduced 203 amino acid polypeptide i s approximately 24.1 kDa, with a predicted pi of 11.1, and shares extensive identity with rat RPL15 deduced polypeptide (>57%). RNA blot hybridization using total RNA demonstrated that Rpl15 is constitutively expressed in mos s gametophytes during a desiccation-rehydration cycle and that Rpl15 mRNA t ranscripts are maintained in desiccated gametophytes as conserved mRNAs.