Cat-2 gene expression. Developmental control of translatable CAT-2 mRNA levels in maize scutellum

The CAT-2 null phenotype in maize is likely due to a DNA insertion into the Cat2 gene

The molecular basis for a shorter Cat2 transcript in maize lines null for the CAT-2 catalase iso/yme was investigated using cDNA libraries and genomic DNA blots. Sequence comparison of partial Cat2 cDNAs obtained from two CAT-2 null lines and a wild-type CAT-2 encoding cDNA showed that the Cat2 null transcripts diverged from the wild-type transcript but remained homologous to each other. Genomic DNA blots indicated that the missing portion of the transcript is present in the genomes of lines null for the CAT-2 isozyme. Differences in the hybridization patterns of normal and null lines were revealed when genomic DNA blots were probed with the full-length Cat2 cDNA, a Cat2 gene-specific probe, and a "null sequence" probe. Together, the DNA blotting results suggest that a rearrangement of the Cat2 gene has occurred in the CAT-2 null lines. The available data suggest that the CAT-2 null mutation in maize is due to a DNA insertion into the Cat2 gene.

Rice cytosolic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase contains two subunits differentially regulated by anaerobiosis

Rice cytosolic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is composed of two subunits of different molecular weights. Cytosolic GAPDH activity and protein both decreased immediately after transfer of 48-h rice seedlings to anaerobic conditions. Subsequent increase in activity and protein was accompanied by a change in isoenzyme profile and was preceded by an increase in steady-state messenger levels. One and two-dimensional electrophoretic analyses of in vivo and in vitro labeled GAPDH suggested that the change in isoenzyme profile under anaerobic conditions is due to preferential synthesis of one of the two GAPDH subunits caused by a specific increase in its mRNA.

Characterization of catalase transcripts and their differential expression in maize

In maize, the three unlinked catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) structural genes (Cat1, Cat2 and Cat3) are differentially expressed temporally, spatially and in response to environmental signals in the developing seedling. In order to understand more fully the molecular mechanisms involved in catalase gene expression, full-length cDNA clones representing the maize Cat1, Cat2 and Cat3 transcripts were isolated and characterized. DNA sequence analysis confirmed that each cDNA encodes a unique catalase protein. Gene-specific probes for the three maize catalase cDNAs were isolated and used to probe blots of poly(A)+ RNA isolated from various maize tissues. Cat1 mRNA was found in scutella, milky endosperm of immature kernels, leaves and epicotyls. The Cat2 mRNA was present primarily in post-germinative scutella, with lower levels in leaves and epicotyls. Cat3 mRNA was detected primarily in epicotyls and, to a lesser extent, in leaves and scutella. The gene-specific probes hybridized with maize genomic DNA blots in simple, but unique patterns, indicating that there is one, or a very few copies of each catalase gene. The coding region of the Cat3 cDNA comprised 66% G + C, which led to a strong codon usage bias in this gene. This codon bias was also seen with the Cat2 transcripts, but not with those for Cat1. A high degree of similarity was found between the maize catalase nucleic acid and deduced amino-acid sequences and those of sweet potato and rat liver catalase.

A procedure for the small-scale isolation of plant RNA suitable for RNA blot analysis

A small-scale method for the isolation of total RNA from plant tissue is described. The method provides RNA of suitable quantity and quality from 0.2 g fresh tissue for the detection of mRNA species by RNA blot analysis. The entire procedure is adapted to 1.5-ml microfuge tubes and takes less than 5 h. This method is well suited for the isolation of RNA from large numbers of samples or from samples of limited quantity.

Molecular basis for the CAT-2 null phenotype in maize

Previous reports have described several maize lines whose developmental patterns of catalase gene expression vary from the "typical" maize line, W64A. Among these variants are the lines A16 and A338, both found to be null for the CAT-2 protein. Identification of a third CAT-2 null line, designated A340, is described. RNA blots and S1 nuclease protection analysis indicate that all three CAT-2 null lines produce a similarly shortened Cat2 transcript. The molecular basis for this aberrant Cat2 transcript is discussed.

In vitro synthesis, importation and processing of Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-3) into maize mitochondria

In vitro translation of maize scutellar polysome-bound RNA and poly(A)+RNA produces a precursor for the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD-3) of maize, which can be immunoprecipitated with SOD-3 monospecific antibodies. The precursor SOD-3 (preSOD-3) has both a greater molecular weight and a more positive isoelectric point than the mature (purified) SOD-3. These differences were not observed for the cytosolic isozyme (SOD-4) which was similarly synthesized and isolated. PreSOD-3 specifically associates with maize mitochondria when incubated in vitro, whereas SOD-4 does not. The ionophore valinomycin (at concentrations of over 1 microM) inhibits the uptake of preSOD-3 into mitochondria. The integrity of the mitochondrial preparations was determined by assay of oxygen consumption, citrate synthase, and cytochrome-c oxidase activity.

Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone for the Cat2 gene in maize and its homology with other catalases

A 230-base-pair cDNA representing the 3' end of the Cat2 gene in maize was isolated and used to screen a lambda gt11 cDNA library made from scutellar poly(A)+ RNA. Several clones were subcloned into a pUC12 vector; one of the subclones, pCat2.1c, appears to represent a near-complete sequence of the Cat2 coding region. Immunological screening, hybridization-selection translation, and RNA blot analysis confirmed that pCat2.1c was derived from the Cat2 transcript. The DNA sequence of pCat2.1c was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence shows homology with catalase amino acid sequences from rat liver, bovine liver, human kidney, and yeast.