Expression analyses of AtAGP17 and AtAGP19, two lysine-rich arabinogalactan proteins, in Arabidopsis

AtAGP17 and AtAGP19 are members of the lysine-rich arabinogalactan protein (AGP) subfamily in Arabidopsis. Detailed anatomical analysis of promoter activity of the AtAGP19 gene was carried out using transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing a P(AtAGP19):GUS fusion. AtAGP19 promoter activity was tissue-specific and associated with vascular bundles, particularly differentiating xylem elements. Peptide-specific antibodies were raised against the Lys-rich regions of AtAGP17 and AtAGP19 and used to study the organ-specific expression patterns of these two AGPs. AtAGP17 and AtAGP19 were most abundant in roots and flowers, moderately abundant in stems, seedlings and siliques and virtually absent in leaves. Antibodies specific for AtAGP17 and AtAGP19, as reported here, represent valuable tools for understanding the biology of these two AGPs.