Functional analysis of Sed5-like gene in Lotus japonicus

Abstract

We aimed to find the SNARE contributing to nodule formation, and to analysis function of this protein. We use L.japonicus and found one Sed5-like gene, Sn6, expressed at very high level in the nodule to be compared with those in other organs, and also expressed in young organs of the plant.
From L.japonicus EST of KDRI, Sn6 has at least one isogene, GEN03, having 90% homology at amino acid level. Therefore we analyzed promoters of Sn6 and GEN03 fused to GUS by using hair-root transformation method. The analysis result during nodule development showed that although the GUS staining was similar at nodule primodia stage, but those of Sn6 promoter: GUS construct showed a higher level, especially at mature stage and also a higher GUS activity to be compared with those of GEN03 construct. At present we are doing histochemical analysis of this GUS staining on various stage of nodule development.