Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel Cys2/His2-type zinc finger protein gene from chrysanthemum

Abstract

A novel member of the Cys₂/His₂-type zinc finger protein gene family, designated DgZFP3, was isolated from chrysanthemum by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The DgZFP3 encodes a protein of 248 amino acids, including two conserved Cys₂/His₂-type zinc finger motifs with a plant-specific QALGGH motif in each zinc finger domain, a B-box (KXKRSKRXR) domain in the N-terminal region as a putative nuclear localization signal (NLS), a L-box (EXEXXAXCLXXL) and an EAR-box (DLNL) at C-terminus. Subcellular localization showed the presence of DgZFP3 in the nucleus. The transcript of DgZFP3 was enriched in roots and leaves than in stems and flowers of the adult chrysanthemum plants. Expression patterns revealed that DgZFP3 was strongly induced by NaCl, drought, cold and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment in the seedlings. We argued that DgZFP3 is a new member of the Cys₂/His₂-type zinc finger protein gene family, and it may be involved in the plant responses to various stresses.

Keywords: Chrysanthemum, DgZFP3, gene expression, Cys₂/His₂-type zinc finger protein