Cloning and expression regulation analysis of a JcKNOX1 gene, from Jatropha curcas L.

Abstract:

KNOX family genes，coding homeobox proteins，play an inmportant role in plant development．A novel homeobox gene，JcKNOX1，was cloned from the cDNA of Jatropha curcas L.．The full-length ORF of JcKNOX1 was 693bp，encoding a protein of 230 amino acids residures．The predicted structure of JcKNOX1 showed that its theoretical isoelectric point and molecular weight were 6.13 and 25.92 kDa respectively．Phylogenic analysis indicated that JcKNOX1 was relation to Populus tomentosa and Citrus sinensis closely．By fluorescence quantitative PCR the expression levels were different as follows：stem apex>tender leaf>stem>leaf>flower>petiole>root，which showed that the JcKNOX1 expressed with high levels in developing organs．Meanwhile，JcKNOX was strongly induced by ABA and low temperature in Jatropha curcas L. seedlings．Through biology software prediction analysis indicated that JcKNOX1 might play an important role in light regulation，hormone regulation，expression of pollen-specific gene and abiotic stress of Jatropha curcas L.．