Cloning of cDNA encoding COMT from wheat which is differentially expressed in lodging-sensitive and -resistant cultivars

J Exp Bot. 2002 Nov;53(378):2281-2. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erf102.

Abstract

In the present study two cDNA fragments were cloned by nested-PCR using degenerate primers for COMT and found to be 93% identical at the nucleotide level. The deduced amino acid sequence of the two cDNAs showed a high degree of identity with COMT from other plants and were most similar to COMTs from monocots. RNA gel blot hybridization demonstrated that the wheat COMT gene W-cm5-1 was expressed in stem, root and leaf tissues. W-cm5-1 mRNA levels in the developing wheat stem were associated with the stem lodging character in two wheat cultivars. These results suggest that the action of the wheat COMT gene may be related to stem rigidity and lodging character in wheat.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Complementary / chemistry
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Lignin / metabolism
  • Methyltransferases / genetics*
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation
  • Plant Leaves / enzymology
  • Plant Leaves / genetics
  • Plant Roots / enzymology
  • Plant Roots / genetics
  • Plant Stems / enzymology
  • Plant Stems / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Triticum / enzymology
  • Triticum / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Lignin
  • Methyltransferases
  • caffeate O-methyltransferase

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF502287