Construction, Expression And Functional Analysis Of A Germin-like Protein Gene

Germin and germin-like proteins(GLPs) have been found in many plant organs like seeds, leaves and roots etc. Germin and GLPs constitute a large and highly diverse family. Members from this family are not only involved in germinating process but also play important roles in response to various stresses. However their definite roles in these processes are still not clear.The purpose of this study was to analyze the function of a GLP gene of rice. The target gene was expressed under the control of a strong promoter in tobacco. The constructed plasmid was transformed into Agrobacterim strain EHA101 and then into tobacco plants by Agrobacterium mediated transformation.Transgenic and control plants except that leaves of some mature transgenic plants showed necrotic esions. Transgenic plants were evaluated for the presence of H2O2 which is reported to be involved in necrosis and cell death. Interestingly, higher levels of H2O2 were observed in transgenic plants. The transgenic tobacco plants were studied in growth, morphology, oxalate oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities.Data suggested that GLP gene of rice may act as a superoxide dismutase which may play important roles like defense against pathogen and root elongation.