The Expression of Matryoshka Gene Encoding a Homologue of Kunitz Peptidase Inhibitor Is Regulated Both at the Level of Transcription and Translation
- Authors: Sheshukova E.V.1, Komarova T.V.1,2, Ershova N.M.1,2, Bronstein A.M.3, Dorokhov Y.L.1,2
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Affiliations:
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
- Issue: Vol 83, No 10 (2018)
- Pages: 1255-1262
- Section: Short Communications
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/0006-2979/article/view/151744
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297918100103
- ID: 151744
Cite item
Abstract
The gene for Kunitz peptidase inhibitor-like protein (KPILP) contains nested alternative open reading frame (aORF) that controls expression of the maternal mRNA. The content of NbKPILP mRNA in intact leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana plant is low but increases significantly upon extended dark exposure or when foreign nucleic acid is overexpressed in the cells. The NbKPILP gene promoter along with the expressed nested aORF are likely to play an important role in maintaining the levels of NbKPILP mRNA. To elucidate the role of NbKPILP promoter, we isolated a fragment of N. benthamiana chromosomal DNA upstream of the NbKPILP transcription start, sequenced it, and created constructs in which reporter E. coli uidA gene coding for β-D-glucuronidase (GUS) was placed under control of the NbKPILP promoter. By assessing the efficacy of uidA mRNA synthesis directed by the NbKPILP promoter and 35S promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus in a transient expression system, we showed that the levels of GUS accumulation were comparable for both promoters. Prolonged incubation of the agroinjected plants in the darkness stimulated accumulation of the uidA mRNA directed by the NbKPILP promoter. Our experiments indicate that along with regulation at the transcriptional level, expression of NbKPILP mRNA can be affected by expression of the nested aORF controlled by the polypurine block (PPB) located upstream of its start codon, since introduction of mutations in the PPB resulted in significant accumulation of the NbKPILP mRNA. Nucleotide replacement in the aORF start codon led to the drastic increase in the amounts of NbKPILP mRNA and its protein product.
About the authors
E. V. Sheshukova
Vavilov Institute of General Genetics
Email: dorokhov@belozersky.msu.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991
T. V. Komarova
Vavilov Institute of General Genetics; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology
Email: dorokhov@belozersky.msu.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991; Moscow, 119991
N. M. Ershova
Vavilov Institute of General Genetics; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology
Email: dorokhov@belozersky.msu.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991; Moscow, 119991
A. M. Bronstein
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
Email: dorokhov@belozersky.msu.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991
Y. L. Dorokhov
Vavilov Institute of General Genetics; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology
Author for correspondence.
Email: dorokhov@belozersky.msu.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991; Moscow, 119991