Arabidopsis Encoding Glycosyltransferase Gene 2247 Molecular Cloning And Functional Analysis

We identified a mutant, which is designated as 2247, from Ac/Ds transposon mutagenesis system with phenotypes of dwarf, dark-green leaves and low fertility. Genetics analysis indicated that the 2247 mutant is caused by a nuclear recessive mutation. The Ds-flanking genomic sequence was obtained by TAIL-PCR. The full length cDNA was amplified by PCR from Col genomic DNA, which encode a putative glycosyltrasferase of family 8. A complementary construct 35S::2247 was introduced into plants heterozygous for 2247 mutation, showed the complementation of the mutant phenotype. Since the Ds element contained the GUS reporter gene, we analyzed the GUS staining pattern in heterozygous plant. These results combined with the Northern bloting and RT-PCR analyses showed the 2247 expression pattern in different organs: the gene expressed in primary root, stem, flower, silique and in mid rib of leaves. The content of carbohydrates of younger leaves (the second pair) and elder leaves (the first pair) were measured from two weeks wild-type and mutant seedlings. The carbohydrates accumulation pattern in mutant was abnormal compared with wild-type. The young leaves accumulated more carbohydrates than those in old leaves in mutant, while the old leaves accumulated more in wild-type. The content of soluble sugar also showed difference between mutant and wild-type plant. Based on our phenotype analysis of the 2247 mutant, we propose that the 2247 gene may play a important role in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism.