Low-temperature-responsive barley genes have different control mechanisms.
Several low-temperature-responsive (LTR) genes from barley have been shown to have high steady-state transcript levels. Run-on transcription was used to determine the control of expression of these LTR genes. Six of these are shown to be transcriptionally regulated (blt 4/9, blt 101, blt 1015, blt 63, blt 49, blt 410) whilst three are post-transcriptionally regulated (blt 14, blt 411, blt 801). Two transcriptionally regulated genes (blt 4/9 and blt 101) and one post-transcriptionally regulated gene (blt 14) have been used in expression studies. The time course for the appearance and decay of these transcripts is given. Initial appearance and steady-state levels of individual transcripts have different temperature characteristics but no single gene correlates with the cold acclimation response. We suggest that these different response profiles may represent a means of fine-tuning the low-temperature response. One gene, blt 4/9, also accumulated high steady-state levels of transcript in response to drought and a nutrient stress. However, only drought has an acclimating effect on barley plants.
Dunn
M A
MA
Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Goddard
N J
NJ
Zhang
L
L
Pearce
R S
RS
Hughes
M A
MA
D000064:Acclimatization / Q000235:genetics; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D017343:Genes, Plant / Q000502:physiology*; D001467:Hordeum / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000502:physiology