| Abstract Detail
Mechanisms of Gene Regulation Francischini, C.W. [1], Favaro, Elaine C. [2], Quaggio, Ronaldo B. [2]. Three Arabidopsis PUF proteins may be involved in translational regulation of transcripts related to shoot apical meristem maintenance. PUF proteins regulate stability and translation through specific binding to the 3’ UTR regions of target mRNA transcripts. Found in all eukaryotes, they have been extensively studied in animals, but little is known regarding their function in plants. Among the twenty five putative Arabidopsis thaliana PUF proteins (APUM), we have found that at least six (APUM-1 to APUM-6) share evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding capacity. Using an Arabidopsis RNA library in a yeast three-hybrid screen and subsequent computational analysis of the identified sequences, we established a consensus mRNA sequence specifically recognized by APUM-1 to APUM-6. In an additional computational analysis, we identified the APUM binding consensus at the 3’ UTR of important transcripts related to Arabidopsis development, such as shoot stem cell maintenance. We also demonstrate that APUM-1 to APUM-6 are able to bind to 3’ UTR of WUSCHEL, CLAVATA-1, ZWILLE and FASCIATA-2 transcripts specifically. Using semi quantitative RT-PCR assays, we have found that the transcription of CLAVATA-1 and ZWILLE are increased in plants affected in APUM-1, APUM-2 and APUM-3 expression through antisense RNA, suggesting an accumulation of these transcripts. Our results indicate that PUF proteins in Arabidopsis may act as translational regulators of important transcripts related to plant development. Supported by CNPq Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Bioquímica, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748 Bloco Zero, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil 2 - Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Bioquímica
Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana PUF proteins Translational Regulation yeast three-hybrid system.
Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract Session: P Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007 Time: 8:00 AM Number: P36017 Abstract ID:602 |