Isolation, sequence and expression of a cDNA encoding a Class I heat shock protein (HSP17.2) in maize

Abstract

During high temperatures, plants synthesize an abundant amount of low molecular weight heat shock proteins, which have been correlated with acquired thermal tolerance. A low molecular weight Class I heat shock protein cDNA was isolated and its expression was characterized in maize ( Zea mays L.) inbred ‘Mo17’. The nucleotide and derived amino acid sequences of the cDNA Zmhsp17.2 are presented. Zmhsp17.2 encodes a 152 amino acid peptide with 17 172 molecular mass and 5.5 pI. It contains a hydrophobic consensus sequence common in low molecular weight heat shock proteins. Zmhsp17.2 transcripts accumulate during environmentally natural high temperatures, which suggests their role in thermal protection in maize.