Differential expression of three catalase genes in the small radish (Rhaphanus sativus L. var. sativus)

Three catalase cDNA clones were isolated from the small radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Their nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences showed the greatest homology to those of Arabidopsis. Genomic Southern blot analysis, using RsCat1 cDNA as a probe, showed that catalases are encoded by small multigene family in the small radish. Nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels revealed the presence of several catalase isozymes, the levels of which varied among the organs examined. The isozyme activities were assigned the individual catalase genes by Northern analysis using total RNA from different organs. The three catalase genes were differentially expressed in response to treatments such as white light, xenobiotics, osmoticum, and UV. Their expression in seedlings was controlled by the circadian clock under a light/dark cycle and/or in constant light. Interestingly, RsCat1 transcripts peaked in the morning, while those of RsCat2 and RsCat3 peaked in the early evening. Our results suggest that the RsCat enzymes are involved in defense against the oxidative stress induced by environmental changes.