Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression analysis of a gene encoding a Ran binding protein (RanBP) in Cucumis melo L

Abstract

Ran binding proteins (RanBPs) are highly conserved members of the GTP-binding protein family that are involved in nuclear protein export between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In this study, a CmRanBP gene from a melon was isolated (Cucumis melo L.) using the RACE (rapid amplifcation of cDNA ends) method. T e 778 basepair long melon, with a RanBP cDNA encoding consisting of 197 amino acids (22.2 kDa protein), was characterized (GenBank accession no: EU853459). T e predicted amino acid sequence of CmRanBP was found to be 70% identical to VvRanBP, PtRanBP, and RcRanBP from Vitis v inifera, Populus trichocarpa, and Ricinus communis, respectively. Within the RanBD (Ran binding domain), 5 highly conserved motifs and 1 Ran binding motif were found in all members of the RanBP gene family from various plant species. Expression prof les of the CmRanBP gene in dif erent tissues under high temperature stress were also investigated by semiquantitative RT-PCR. T e CmRanBP gene was expressed in a similar manner in the roots, leaves, and stems at 25 °C as a control environment. However, when the temperature was raised to 38 °C and 40 °C, expression levels of the CmRanBP gene were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the root, leaf, and stem tissues. We show here for the first time that the CmRanBP gene expression was correlated with heat stress responses. © TÜBİTAK.