Abstract
Cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD; EC 1.1.1.195) catalyzes the final step in a branch of phenylpropanoid synthesis specific for production of lignin monomers. We have isolated a full-length cDNA clone encoding CAD, as a molecular marker specific for lignification, by immunoscreening a lambda gt11 library containing cDNAs complementary to mRNA from elicitor-treated cell cultures of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The clone comprises a single long open reading frame of 1767 base pairs, 31 base pairs of 5' leader, and 152 base pairs of 3' untranslated sequence. The deduced 65-kDa CAD polypeptide has several features that are strongly conserved in alcohol dehydrogenases. Addition of fungal elicitor to cell cultures stimulates CAD transcription, which leads to a remarkably rapid, but transient, accumulation of CAD mRNA, with no detectable lag and maximal levels after 1.5 hr. Southern blot analysis of bean genomic DNA indicates that elicitor-induced CAD is encoded by a single gene. The regulatory significance of the rapid activation of this CAD gene and the possible existence of a second, divergent CAD gene involved in lignification during xylogenesis are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
