RNA binding characteristics of a 16 kDa glycine‐rich protein from maize

Abstract

We have previously described a developmentally regulated mRNA in maize that accumulates in mature embryos and is involved in a variety of stress responses in the plant. The sequence of the encoded 16 kDa protein (MA 16) predicts that it is an RNA‐binding protein, since it possesses a ribonucleoprotein consensus sequence‐type RNA‐binding domain (CS‐RBD). To assess the predicted RNA binding property of the protein and as a starting point to characterize its function we have used ribohomopolymer‐binding assays. Here we show that the MA16‐encoded protein binds preferentially to uridine‐ and guanosine‐rich RNAs. In light of these results a likely role for this protein in RNA metabolism during late embryogenesis and in the stress response is discussed. Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved