title: cDNA cloning, mRNA expression, and mutational analysis of the squalene synthase gene of Lotus japonicus.
abstract: A full-length cDNA for squalene synthase was isolated from Lotus japonicus, a model leguminous plant. The transcript was abundant in roots, symbiotic root nodules, and shoots, in that order. In situ hybridization revealed that the mRNA level is high in expanding root cells but low in dividing root tip ones. The transcript is also abundant in vascular bundles and the basal portions of mature nodules. L. japonicus squalene synthase has an unusual Asp residue near the active site, where mammalian enzymes have Gln, and replacement of the Gln by Glu has been reported to cause severe inactivation. Site-directed mutagenesis of the L. japonicus enzyme and assaying in vitro showed that this Asp residue can be substituted by not only Gln but also Glu, suggesting that the local structure of plant squalene synthases is different from that of mammalian enzymes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, 606-8502, Kyoto, Japan.
authors.forename: Satomi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akamine
authors.forename: Kazuki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nakamori
authors.forename: Svetlana A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Chechetka
authors.forename: Mari
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Banba
authors.forename: Yosuke
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Umehara
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kouchi
authors.forename: Katsura
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Izui
authors.forename: Shingo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hata
mesh_terms: D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D013186:Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D000070116:Lotus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D010802:Phylogeny; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018749:RNA, Plant; D001224:Aspartic Acid; D013186:Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase