Abstract
Although the functions of some MAP kinases in higher plants were clarified, the functions of group D MAP kinases are obscure. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a model alga, encodes five MAP kinases homologs similar to higher plants. MAPK2/4 genes encoded in Chlamydomonas are classified into group D, but the full sequences of the genes were not determined. We have determined each nucleotide sequences of cDNA and genomic DNA, respectively, and have compared the deduced amino acids sequences with those of group D MAP kinases in other algae and higher plants, suggesting conserved domains in group D MAP kinases. The analysis of expression pattern of MAPK2/4 genes suggested that the MAPK2 gene is slightly expressed during normal growth, but the MAPK4 gene isn not not expressed. Now, we are preparing RNAi transgenic algae of each MAP kinases for estimation of the function of each MAP kinases in algae and higher plants.
