Molecular cloning and characterization of three cryptochrome genes from the fern Asplenium yunnanense

Cryptochromes are blue light sensing photoreceptors involved in regulating various growth and developmental responses in plants. Using degenerate PCR, genome-walking and RT-PCR approaches, three full-length genomic sequences of cryptochrome genes (CRY1, 2 and 4) were isolated from the fern Asplenium yunnanense. These genes encode proteins with 581, 665 and 697 amino acids and are similar to Adiantum capillus-veneris blue-light photoreceptor AcCRY1, AcCRY2 and AcCRY4 proteins in identity at 83%, 81% and 77%, respectively. Sequence and structure analysis indicate that these proteins possess the typical PHR and CCT domains characteristic of other higher plant CRYs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the three CRYs were grouped together with the CRYs from A. capillus-veneris, which comprise two distinct groups that cluster separately from other plants.