AtGRP2, a cold-induced nucleo-cytoplasmic RNA-binding protein, has a role in flower and seed development.
The glycine-rich protein AtGRP2 is one of the four members of the cold-shock domain (CSD) protein family in Arabidopsis. It is characterized by the presence of a nucleic acid-binding CSD domain, two glycine-rich domains and two CCHC zinc-fingers present in nucleic acid-binding proteins. In an attempt to further understand the role of CSD/GRP proteins in plants, we have proceeded to the functional characterization of the AtGRP2 gene. Here, we demonstrate that AtGRP2 is a nucleo-cytoplasmic protein involved in Arabidopsis development with a possible function in cold-response. Expression analysis revealed that the AtGRP2 gene is active in meristematic tissues, being modulated during flower development. Down-regulation of AtGRP2 gene, using gene-silencing techniques resulted in early flowering, altered stamen number and affected seed development. A possible role of AtGRP2 as an RNA chaperone is discussed.
Fusaro
Adriana Flores
AF
Laboratório de Genética Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, C.P. 68011, 21941-970, Brazil.
Bocca
Silvia Nora
SN
Ramos
Rose Lucia Braz
RL
Barrôco
Rosa Maria
RM
Magioli
Claudia
C
Jorge
Vanessa Cardeal
VC
Coutinho
Tatiana Cardoso
TC
Rangel-Lima
Camila Martins
CM
De Rycke
Riet
R
Inzé
Dirk
D
Engler
Gilbert
G
Sachetto-Martins
Gilberto
G
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D035264:Flowers / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D018519:Meristem / Q000378:metabolism; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding; D021381:Protein Transport; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism
D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; C521041:GRP2 protein, Arabidopsis; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins