A beta-tubulin-like cDNA expressed specifically in elongating cotton fibers induces longitudinal growth of fission yeast.
Using cDNA Representational Difference Analysis (RDA) techniques, we isolated a cDNA that was expressed specifically in cotton fibers but not in the ovules of a fuzzless-lintless mutant (fl). We designated it as Gh-BTubL for it shares high sequence identity with known plant and yeast beta-tubulins. RT-PCR and robotic cDNA dot blot analyses indicated that the expression of Gh-BTubL was correlated with the elongation pattern of cotton fibers. In situ hybridization results verified that there was no Gh-BTubL mRNA in fl ovules while it was easily detected in the elongating wild type cotton fiber cells. Overexpression of Gh-BTubL in fission yeast induced longitudinal growth of the host cells by 1.74-fold, with no apparent effect on other aspects of the host cells. We suggest that Gh-BTubL plays an important role in cotton fiber elongation and we believe that elucidation of the control mechanisms for expression of tubulin-like proteins may help improve fiber quality and productivity.
State Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Plant Genetic Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
Shengjian
S
Ji
Yingchun
Y
Lu
Jun
J
Li
Gang
G
Wei
Xiujuan
X
Liang
Yuxian
Y
Zhu
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D005638:Fruit / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003368:Gossypium / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000032:analysis; D012568:Schizosaccharomyces / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development*; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D014404:Tubulin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D010940:Plant Proteins; D018749:RNA, Plant; D014404:Tubulin