Abstract
Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB) belongs to a member of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins(hnRNPs). In animals, PTB proteins are known to play multiple roles in splicing, intracellular sorting and nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA, and be involved in differentiation and development. However, function of PTB in plants reminds open. RT-PCR analyses for two Arabidopsis PTB genes (AtPTB1 and 2) indicated ubiquitous expression in vegetative and reproductive organs in Arabidopsis plants. Expression profiles using promoter::GUS system suggested that expressions of AtPTB1 and 2 are induced in mature pollen grains, papillae and placentas but not in developing embryos. The null mutants of atptb1 and atptb2, were selected, however, growth and development of these mutants were normal when they were compared to those of wild type plants. Double mutant (ptb1/ptb2) is under preparation.
