Cloning and Expression Analysis of AP2/EREBP Transcription Factor Gene (MwAP2/EREBP) in Agropyron mongolicum Keng

Abstract

In this research, an AP2/EREBP transcription factor gene cDNA from Agropyron mongolicum Keng was isolated through RT-PCR and RACE techniques and named MwAP2/EREBP (GenBank accession no. KJ534637), and the abbreviation of which is MwAP2. Sequence analysis showed that the cDNA sequence was 1199 bp, including 813 bp of open reading frame, which encoded a protein of 270 amino acids, and the encoded protein was predicted to be unstable hydrophilic protein located in the nucleus; the encoding protein was a new member of AP2/EREBP family transcription factor; the secondary structure of encoding protein was mainly random coil, alpha helix structure; and one alpha helix and three beta sheets were in space structure. Homology between MwAP2/EREBP and the transcription factor gene of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) is 94%. And phylogenetic tree indicated that MwAP2/EREBP is closest with the transcription factor of Leymus multicaulis in evaluation and has high conservation. MWAP2/EREBP has tissue and temporal specificity, which suggested that MwAP2/EREBP gene might be involved in drought-resistant physiological process of Agropyron mongolicum Keng.