Expression patterns of the genes that encode lectin or lectin-related polypeptides in Robinia pseudoacacia

Three genomic clones (Rplec2, Rplec5 and Rplec6) and a cDNA clone (LECRPA4) that encoded lectin or lectin-related polypeptides were isolated from Robinia pseudoacacia L. A comparison of the nucleotide sequences of Rplec2 and a previously reported cDNA for the subunit indicated that Rplec2 encoded the 29 kDa subunit of the inner-bark lectin RPbAI. Rplec5 encoded a polypeptide whose deduced amino acid sequence was 96.1% identical to that of a subunit of seed lectin. The amino acid sequence deduced from the open reading frame of Rplec6 showed 61.1% identity to that encoded by Rplec5. LECRPA4 was isolated from an inner bark cDNA library and appeared to encode the 26 kDa subunit of inner-bark lectin RPbAII. The expression patterns of the various genes in tissues were examined by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with appropriate primers. Rplec2 transcripts were detected in the inner bark and roots. Rplec5 transcripts were detected in the inner bark, seeds and roots. No Rplec6 transcripts were detected in all tissues examined. LECRPA4 transcripts were found in leaves and in the inner bark. The level of expression of Rplec2 in the inner bark appeared to be similar in samples collected in different years and from different trees, whereas levels of expression of Rplec5 and LECRPA4 varied. These results suggest the differential regulation of expression of members of the lectin gene family in tissues of R. pseudoacacia. The nucleotide sequence data reported herein will appear in the DDBJ, EMBL and GenBank Nucleotide Sequence Databases under the accession numbers AB 012632 (Rplec2), AB012633 (Rplec5), AB012634 (Rplec6) and AB012635 (LECRPA4).