Sequence analysis of a cDNA encoding a group 3 LEA mRNA inducible by ABA or dehydration stress in wheat

A cDNA clone (pMA2005) of a Group 3 LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) protein has been sequenced from wheat. The wheat cDNA clone codes for a protein with ten tandem repeats of an 11 amino acid sequence and has homology to other Group 3 LEAs reported in barley, carrot, cotton and rape (L. Dure et al., Plant Mol Biol 12: 475-486, 1989). The deduced amino acid sequence indicates that the wheat protein has a molecular weight of 23,000 and is a basic, hydrophilic protein. Northern analysis with the cDNA clone shows that dehydration of wheat shoot tissue results in increased transcript levels that correlate with increases in endogenous ABA.