Molecular characterization of a cDNA encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase from <it>Deschampsia antarctica </it>and its expression regulated by cold and UV stresses

• Main Authors: Gidekel Manuel, Moraga Ana, Dinamarca Jorge, Sánchez-Venegas Jaime R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-09-01
• Series: BMC Research Notes
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/2/198

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Copper/Zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) gene, <it>SOD </it>gene, was isolated from a <it>Deschampsia antarctica </it>Desv. by cDNA library screening. The expression of SOD gene in the leaves of <it>D. antarctica </it>was determined by RT-PCR and its differential expression of gene transcripts in conditions of cold and UV radiation stresses was revealed by northern blot.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>The molecular characterization shows that <it>SOD </it>cDNA is 709 bp in length, which translates an ORF of 152 amino acids that correspond to a protein of predicted molecular mass of 15 kDa. The assay shows that the expression of <it>SOD </it>gene increases when <it>D. antarctica </it>is acclimatised to 4°C and exposed to UV radiation. These results indicate that the <it>SOD </it>gene of <it>D. antarctica </it>is involved in the antioxidative process triggered by oxidative stress induced by the conditions of environmental change in which they live.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present results allow us to know the characteristics of Cu/ZnSOD gene from <it>D. antarctica </it>and understand that its expression is regulated by cold and UV radiation.</p>