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Molecular cloning of a maize cDNA clone encoding a putative proliferating cell nuclear antigen
I López1, S Khan, J Vázquez-Ramos
1Department of Biochemistry, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|January 2, 1995
Summary
Researchers isolated a maize gene encoding a protein similar to human proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). This discovery offers insights into plant cell growth and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a crucial protein involved in DNA replication and repair.
- Understanding PCNA homologs in different species can reveal conserved functions and evolutionary relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and sequence a maize cDNA clone encoding a protein homologous to PCNA.
- To analyze the sequence and compare it with known PCNA proteins from other species.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of a maize cDNA clone.
- DNA sequencing to determine the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein.
- Bioinformatic analysis for sequence identity comparison.
Main Results:
- A maize cDNA clone encoding a protein homologous to PCNA was successfully isolated and sequenced.
- The deduced protein consists of 263 amino acids.
- The maize PCNA homolog shares 62% amino acid identity with human PCNA and 95% identity with rice PCNA.
Conclusions:
- Maize possesses a gene encoding a protein highly similar to PCNA, indicating conserved function in plant DNA replication.
- The high sequence identity with rice PCNA suggests conserved roles within monocots.
- This finding contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cell proliferation in maize and other plants.