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Isolation and characterisation of cDNA clones representing the genes encoding the major tuber storage protein (dioscorin) of yam (Dioscorea cayenensis Lam.)

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Abstract

cDNA clones encoding dioscorins, the major tuber storage proteins (M r 32000) of yam (Dioscorea cayenensis) have been isolated. Two classes of clone (A and B, based on hybrid release translation product sizes and nucleotide sequence differences) which are 84.1% similar in their protein coding regions, were identified. The protein encoded by the open reading frame of the class A cDNA insert is of M r 30015. The difference in observed and calculated molecular mass might be attributed to glycosylation. Nucleotide sequencing and in vitro transcription/translation suggest that the class A dioscorin proteins are synthesised with signal peptides of 18 amino acid residues which are cleaved from the mature peptide. The class A and class B proteins are 69.6% similar with respect to each other, but show no sequence identity with other plant proteins or with the major tuber storage proteins of potato (patatin) or sweet potato (sporamin). Storage protein gene expression was restricted to developing tubers and was not induced by growth conditions known to induce expression of tuber storage protein genes in other plant species. The codon usage of the dioscorin genes suggests that the Dioscoreaceae are more closely related to dicotyledonous than to monocotyledonous plants.

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Author notes

  1. R. Steven Conlan

    Present address: Molecular Genetics Department, John Innes Centre for Plant Science Research, Colney Lane, NR4 7UJ, Norwich, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Wye College, University of London, TN25 5AH, Wye, Kent, UK

    R. Steven Conlan, Leslie-Ann Griffiths & Charles Ainsworth

  2. Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bristol, IACR Long Ashton Research Station, Long Ashton, BS18 9AF, Bristol, UK

    R. Steven Conlan, Johnathan A Napier & Peter R Shewry

  3. Unit for Advanced Propagation Systems, Department of Horticulture, Wye College, University of London, TN25 5AH, Wye, Kent, UK

    Sinclair Mantell

Authors
  1. R. Steven Conlan
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  2. Leslie-Ann Griffiths
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  3. Johnathan A Napier
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  4. Peter R Shewry
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  5. Sinclair Mantell
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  6. Charles Ainsworth
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Conlan, R.S., Griffiths, LA., Napier, J.A. et al. Isolation and characterisation of cDNA clones representing the genes encoding the major tuber storage protein (dioscorin) of yam (Dioscorea cayenensis Lam.). Plant Mol Biol 28, 369–380 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00020387

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00020387

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