Analysis of OeMVK Gene Expression in Different Olive Tissues Using Real Time PCR

Abstract

Olive tree ( Olea europaea L.) that is a member of the Oleaceae family, is an evergreen, small tree that have been cultivated since prehistoric times in the eastern Mediterranean region. Olive is one of the vital components of Mediterranean diet. The pharmacological properties of olive oil, the olive fruit, and its leaves have been recognized as important components of a healthy diet as well as medicine because of their active role in diseases management. Mevalonate Kinase (MVK; EC 2.7.1.36; ATP:(R)- mevalonate 5-phosphotransferase) is the first enzyme in the plant isoprenoid biosynthesis in MVA (Mevalonate) pathway. In this study the MVK (Mevalonate Kinase) gene was cloned successfully from Olea europea , and named OeMVK (accession number: MH427085). The ORF (Open Reading Frame) of OeMVK was 1164 bp. OeMVK protein was consisted of 387 amino acids. Homologous sequence analysis showed that amino acid sequence of OeMVK had the highest identity of 97% with Catharanthus roseus mevalonate kinase 2a. Real-time PCR assay demonstrated that OeMVK was constitutively expressed in all tissues of olive with a similar transcription level with a slightly increase in unripe fruit. The molecular characterization of olive MVK gene and its expression level were speculated by taking the all olive tissues into account.