Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of a catalase cDNA from hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

We report the cloning of a catalase cDNA from hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and its expression patterns. CaCat1 is consisted of 1837 bp containing one open reading frame (ORF) of 1479 and 45 bp/313 bp of 5'/3'-untranslated region. Deduced amino acid sequence of CaCat1 showed the 95% and 78% identity with that of Nicotiana tabacum Cat1 and Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Cat2, respectively. Northern hybridization shows that CaCat1 transcripts are more abundant in stems than in leaves and roots, and in early stages than in mature stage of fruit development. In roots its transcripts are induced in response to aluminum and NaCl. In addition, its transcription levels under light (12 h)/dark (12 h) cycle and constant light conditions exhibit circadian rhythm, reaching a maximum at late in the dark period or early in the light period. The morning specific circadian regulation of CaCat1 was also observed in NpCat1, but not in NtCat1, suggesting difference in evolutionary rates between coding region and regulatory region of the catalase genes.