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The eEFlA gene family is differentially expressed in maize endosperm

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Abstract

eEF1A appears to be a multifunctional protein in eukaryotes, where it serves as a protein synthesis factor as well as a cytoskeletal protein. In maize endosperm, the eEF1A concentration is highly correlated with lysine content, and eEF1A synthesis is increased in opaque2 mutants compared to wild type. To investigate the basis for the increased synthesis of eEF1A in opaque2, we characterized the genes encoding this protein and measured their relative level of expression in endosperm and other tissues. Maize contains 10 to 15 eEF1A genes that are nearly identical in nucleotide and amino acid sequences. However, these genes can be distinguished based on their 3′ non-coding sequences, which are less conserved. By screening endosperm and seedling cDNA libraries, we show that most of the maize eEF1A genes are expressed, and the relative level of their transcripts varies in different tissues. At least five genes are transcribed in the endosperm, and two account for ca. 80% of the RNA transcripts. The expression of several genes is enhanced in opaque2 endosperm, although the significance of this is unclear.

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  1. Brian A. Larkins

    Present address: CSIRO Plant Industry, P.O. Box 1600, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia

  2. Newton P. Carneiro

    Present address: CNPMS/EMBRAPA, Caixa Postal 151, CEP 35701-970, Sete Lagoas, MG, Brazil

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  1. CSIRO Plant Industry, P.O. Box 1600, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia

    Peter A. Hughes

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Carneiro, N.P., Hughes, P.A. & Larkins, B.A. The eEFlA gene family is differentially expressed in maize endosperm. Plant Mol Biol 41, 801–814 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006391207980

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