Characterization of a glutathione S-transferase gene ATGST 1 in Arabidopsis thaliana

A glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene was cloned in Arabidopsis thaliana. The gene, designated ATGST 1, contained the entire transcription unit in three exons interrupted by two introns. The combined sequence of three exons had an open reading frame which predicted a GST protein of 208 amino acids. Gene transcription has been reported to be induced by pathogen attack and dehydration. In the present study northern blot analysis using a gene-specific DNA probe in the 3' untranslated region revealed that expression of the gene was also rapidly induced by other environmental stresses such as wounding, low temperature, high salt and DPE herbicide treatment. The promoter region of the gene contained the sequence motif ATTTCAAA that is known to be present in ethylene-responsive elements and other motifs that are highly conserved amongst stress-inducible gene promoters.