Differential expression of three catalase genes in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Three different catalase cDNA clones (CaCat1, CaCat2, and CaCat3) were isolated from hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), and their expression patterns were analyzed at the levels of mRNA and enzyme activity. Northern hybridization showed that the three catalase genes were differentially expressed in various organs, and that expression of CaCat1 and CaCat2 was regulated differently by the circadian rhythm. In situ hybridization revealed different spatial distributions of CaCat1 and CaCat2 transcripts in leaf and stem. In response to wounding and paraquat treatment, CaCat1 mRNA increased at 4-12 h in both paraquat-treated and systemic leaves. In contrast, wounding had no significant effect on expression of the catalase genes. The increase of catalase activity in the paraquat-treated and systemic leaves paralleled that of CaCat1 mRNA, but did not match that of CaCat1 mRNA in paraquat-treated stems. Our results suggest that CaCat1 may play a role in responses to environmental stresses.