Influences of genetic and environmental factors on the concentration of the allergen Cry j 1 in sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen.
Pollen from sugi (Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica D. Don), a forest tree species that is widely grown in Japan, causes serious allergic disease. The major allergens from sugi pollen, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, have been isolated and characterized. It has been reported that Cry j 1 concentration in pollen varies considerably among trees. If Cry j 1 concentration is genetically controlled, the planting of trees with low Cry j 1 concentrations would reduce pollinosis. We investigated genetic and environmental effects on Cry j 1 concentration in eight clones growing at four sites. Concentrations of Cry j 1 in pollen were measured with a monoclonal antibody-based Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The Cry j 1 concentrations differed significantly among clones and sites, but the site x clone interaction was not significant, suggesting that the Cry j 1 concentration is controlled primarily by genetic factors. We examined correlations between Cry j 1 concentration and temperature and precipitation from July through February. Temperature was not significantly related to Cry j 1 concentration, whereas cumulative precipitation during the 8 months and mean daily precipitation in September showed significant negative correlations with Cry j 1 concentration.
Goto
Yoko
Y
Forest Tree Breeding Center, 3809-1 Ishi, Juo, Taga, Ibaraki, 319-1301, Japan. gomama@affrc.go.jp
Kondo
Teiji
T
Hayashi
Eiji
E
Kuramoto
Noritsugu
N
Takahashi
Makoto
M
Yasueda
Hiroshi
H
D000485:Allergens / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D032485:Cryptomeria / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D007564:Japan; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D011058:Pollen / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D014197:Trees / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D014887:Weather
D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; C065290:Cry j I protein, Cryptomeria japonica; D010940:Plant Proteins