Cloning and partial characterization of a beta-1,3-glucanase gene from strawberry

Plant pathogenesis-related proteins, including beta-1,3-glucanses, are believed to be involved in plant defense mechanisms. We have cloned a beta-1,3-glucanse gene from strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch). This gene, designated FaBG2-1, is a Class II glucanase gene composed of two exons and one intron. The location of a 397-base intron in the gene was confirmed by sequencing a partial cDNA clone obtained by using a rapid amplification of cDNA ends procedure. Also, based on the cDNA sequence, the transcription start site of FaBG2-1 was assigned to a -54G residue. Genomic Southern blot analysis indicated that FaBG2-1 is a member of a multi-gene family. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that this beta-1,3-glucanase gene is expressed constitutively in strawberry leaves.