Structure and expression of a cDNA encoding an RNA helicase-like protein in tobacco

The human P68 protein is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and thought to be involved in cell growth and division. We have isolated a Nicotiana sylvestris cDNA which encodes a p68-like protein. Northern blot analysis showed that the transcript from the gene is accumulated in N. sylvestris leaves, roots and flowers, but not in N. tabacum-cultured cells.