Skip to main content
Log in

The γ-subunit of spinach chloroplast ATP synthase: isolation and characterisation of cDNA and genomic clones

  • Published:
Plant Molecular Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

cDNA and genomic clones encoding the complete precursor polypeptide of the γ-subunit of spinach chloroplast ATP synthase have been isolated and characterised. The longest cDNA (1320 bp), selected from a λgt 11 spinach cDNA library, encoded a 364 amino acid residue protein (M r 40 028) that included a putative 41 residue N-terminal transit peptide. All the γ-subunit cDNAs analysed were derived from the same gene and Southern blot analysis ofBam HI restricted spinach DNA showed only one hybridising band (ca. 15 kb). Analysis of the cloned 15 kb genomic fragment, selected from a λEMBL4 spinach DNA library with a cDNA probe, confirmed there was a single gene for the γ-subunit. Sequencing, primer extension and northern blot analysis showed the gene contains two introns, 1066 and 665 bp in length, a 173 bp 5′ untranslated region and a 213 bp 3′ untranslated region. A 1450 nucleotide γ-subunit transcript was detected in RNA from light-grown and dark-grown spinach.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ausubel FM, Brent R, Kingston RE, Moore DD, Seidman JG, Smith JA, Struhl K: Current Protocols in Molecular Biology Wiley, New York (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Barkan A: Proteins encoded by a complex chloroplast transcription unit are each translated from both monocistronic and polycistronic mRNAs. EMBO J 7: 2637–2644 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bird CR, Koller B, Auffret AD, Huttly AK, Howe CJ, Dyer TA, Gray JC: The wheat chloroplast gene for CFo subunit I of ATP synthase contains a large intron. EMBO J 4: 1381–1388 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Brown JWS: A catalogue of splice junction and putative branch point sequences from plant introns. Nucleic Acids Res 14: 9549–9559 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Calzone FJ, Britten RJ, Davidson EH: Mapping of gene transcripts by nuclease protection assays and cDNA primer extension. Meth Enzymol 152: 611–632 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Chandler PM, Higgins TJV, Randall PJ, Spencer D: Regulation of legumin levels in developing pea seeds under conditions of sulfur deficiency. Plant Physiol 71: 47–54 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Cozens AL, Walker JE, Phillips AL, Huttly AK, Gray JC: A sixth subunit of ATP synthase, an Fo component, is encoded in the pea chloroplast genome. EMBO J 5: 217–222 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  8. Devereux JP, Haeberli P, Smithies O: A comprehensive set of sequence analysis programs for the VAX. Nucleic Acids Res 12: 387–395 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Dunsmuir P, Bond D, Lee K, Gidoni D, Townsend J: Stability of introduced genes and stability in expression. In: Gelvin SB, Schilperoort RA (eds) Plant Molecular Biology Manual, Ch. C1: 1–17. Kluwer Academic Publishers Dordrecht (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Gribskov M, McLachlan M, Eisenber D: Profile analysis: detection of distantly related proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 84: 4355–4358 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  11. Grob U, Stüber K: Discrimination of phytochrome dependent light inducible from non-light inducible plant genes. Prediction of a common light-responsive element (LRE) in phytochrome dependent light inducible plant genes. Nucleic Acids Res 15: 9957–9973 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Gross RH: A DNA sequence analysis program for the Apple Macintosh. Nucleic Acids Res 14: 591–596 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  13. Gubler U, Hoffman BJ: A simple and very efficient method for generating cDNA libraries. Gene 25: 263–269 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  14. Hennig J, Herrmann RG: Chloroplast ATP synthase of spinach contains nine nonidentical subunit species, six of which are encoded by plastid chromosomes in two operons in a phylogenetically conserved arrangement. Mol Gen Genet 203: 117–128 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  15. Hermans J, Rother C, Bicher J, Steppuhn J, Herrmann RG: Nucleotide sequence of cDNA clones encoding the complete precursor for subunit delta of thylakoid-located ATP synthase from spinach. Plant Mol Biol 10: 323–330 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  16. Howe CJ, Auffret AD, Doherty A, Bowman CM, Dyer TA, Gray JC: Location and nucleotide sequence of the gene for the proton-translocating subunit of wheat chloroplast ATP synthase. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 79: 6903–6907 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  17. Howe CJ, Fearnley IM, Walker JE, Dyer TA, Gray JC: Nucleotide sequences of the genes for the alpha, beta and epsilon subunits of wheat chloroplast ATP synthase. Plant Mol Biol 4: 333–345 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Hudson GS, Mason JG: The chloroplast genes encoding subunits of the H+-ATP synthase. Photosynth Res 18: 205–222 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  19. Hudson GS, Mason JG, Holton TA, Koller B, Cox GB, Whitfeld PR, Bottomley W: A gene cluster in the spinach and pea chloroplast genomes encoding one CF1 and three CFo subunits of the H+-ATP synthase complex and the ribosomal protein S2. J Mol Biol 196: 283–298 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  20. Huynh TV, Young RA, Davis RW: Constructing and screening cDNA libraries in λgt10 and λgt11. In: Glover DM (ed) DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach. Practical Approach Series vol. I, pp. 49–78. IRL Press, Oxford (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  21. Joshi CP: Putative polyadenylation signals in nuclear genes of higher plants: a compilation and analysis. Nucleic Acids Res 15: 9627–9640 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  22. Kanazawa H, Kayano T, Mabuchi K, Futai M: Nucleotide sequence of the genes for α, β and γ subunits of the proton-translocating ATPase ofEscherichia coli. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 103: 604–612 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  23. Karlin-Neumann GA, Tobin EM: Transit peptides of nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins share a common amino acid framework. EMBO J 5: 9–13 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  24. Ketcham SR, Davenport JW, Warncke K, McCarty RE: Role of the γ-subunit of chloroplast coupling factor 1 in the light dependent activation of photophosphorylation and ATPase activity by dithiothreitol. J Biol Chem 259: 7286–7293 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  25. Kuhlemeier C, Green PJ, Chua NH: Regulation of gene expression in higher plants. Ann Rev Plant Physiol 38: 221–257 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Lapeyre B, Amalric F: A powerful method for the preparation of cDNA libraries: isolation of cDNA encoding a 100-kDal nucleolar protein. Gene 37: 215–220 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Last DI, Gray JC: Plastocyanin is encoded by a single-copy gene in the pea haploid genome. Plant Mol Biol 12: 655–666 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  28. Lucchini G, Brandazza A, Badaracco G, Bianchi M, Plevani P: Identification of the yeast DNA polymerase I gene with antibody probes. Curr Genet 10: 245–253 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  29. Lütcke HA, Chow KC, Mickel FS, Moss KA, Kern HF, Scheele GA: Selection of AUG initiation codons differs in plant and animals. EMBO J 6: 43–48 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  30. Marck C: DNA Strider: a ‘C’ program for the fast analysis of DNA and protein sequences on the Apple Macintosh family of computers. Nucleic Acids Res 16: 1829–1836 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  31. Maniatis T, Fritsch EF, Sambrook J: Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  32. Mason JG: Nucleotide sequence of a cDNA for the major chlorophyll a/b binding protein of spinach chloroplasts. Nucleic Acids Res 17: 5387 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  33. Miki J, Maeda M, Mukohata Y, Futai M: The γ-subunit of ATP synthase from spinach chloroplasts. FEBS Lett 232: 221–226 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  34. Moroney JV, Fullmer CS, McCarty RE: Characterization of the cysteinyl-containing peptides of the γ-subunit of coupling factor 1. J Biol Chem 259: 7281–7285 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  35. Nalin CM, McCarty RE: Role of a disulphide bond in the γ-subunit in activation of the ATPase of chloroplast coupling factor 1. J Biol Chem 259: 7257–7280 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  36. Nalin CM, Nelson N: Structure and biogenesis of chloroplast coupling factor CFoCF1-ATPase. Curr Topics Bioenerg 15: 273–294 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  37. Nelson N: Proton-ATPase of chloroplasts. Curr Topics Bioenerg 11: 1–33 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  38. Raleigh EA, Murray NE, Revel H, Blumenthal RM, Westaway D, Reith AD, Rigby PWJ, Elhai J, Hanahan D:McrA andMcrB restriction phenotypes of someE. coli strains and implications for gene cloning. Nucleic Acids Res 16: 1563–1575 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  39. Sanger F, Nicklen S, Coulsen AR: DNA sequencing with chain-terminating inhibitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 74: 5463–5467 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  40. Shinozaki K, Ohme M, Tanaka M, Wakasugi T, Hayashida N, Matsubayashi T, Zaita N, Chunwongse J, Obokata J, Yamaguchi-Shinozaki K, Ohto C, Torazawa K, Meng BY, Sugita M, Deno H, Kamogashira T, Yamada K, Kusuda J, Takaiwa F, Kato A, Tohdoh N, Shimada H, Sugiura M: The complete nucleotide sequence of the tobacco chloroplast genome: its gene organisation and expression. EMBO J 5: 2043–2049 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Sutton WD: Some features of the DNA ofRhizobium bacteroids and bacteria. Biochim Biophys Acta 366: 1–10 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  42. Tittgen J, Hermans J, Steppuhn J, Jansen T, Jansson C, Andersson B, Nechushtai R, Nelson N, Herrmann RG: Isolation of cDNA clones for fourteen nuclear-encoded thylakoid membrane proteins. Mol Gen Genet 204: 258–265 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  43. Tobin EM, Silverthorne J: Light regulation of gene expression in higher plants. Ann Rev Plant Physiol 36: 569–593 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  44. Watanabe A, Price CA: Translation of mRNAs for subunits of chloroplast coupling factor 1 in spinach. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 79: 6304–6308 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  45. Westhoff P, Nelson N, Bünemann H, Herrmann RG: Localization of genes for coupling factor subunits on the spinach plastid chromosome. Curr Genet 4: 109–120 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  46. Westhoff P, Alt J, Nelson N, Herrmann RG: Genes and transcripts for the ATP synthase CFo subunits I and II from spinach thylakoid membranes. Mol Gen Genet 199: 290–299 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  47. Woodcock DM, Crowther PJ, Diver WP, Graham M, Bateman C, Baker DJ, Smith SS:Rgl B facilitated cloning of highly methylated eukaryotic DNA: the human L1 transposon, plant DNA, and DNA methylatedin vitro with human methyltransferase. Nucleic Acids Res 16: 4465–4482 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  48. Wreschner DH, Herzberg M: A new blotting medium for the simple isolation and identification of highly resolved messenger RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 12: 1349–1359 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  49. Young RA, Davis RW: Efficient isolation of genes by using antibody probes. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 80: 1194–1198 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  50. Yu LM, Merchant S, Theg SM, Selman BR: Isolation of a cDNA clone for the γ-subunit of the chloroplast ATP synthase ofChlamydomonas reinhardtii: import and cleavage of the precursor protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 85: 1369–1373 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  51. Yu LM, Selman BR. cDNA sequence and predicted primary structure of the γ-subunit from the ATP synthase fromChlamydomonas reinhardtii. J Biol Chem 263: 19342–19345 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  52. Zurawski G, Bottomley W, Whitfeld PR: Structure of the genes for the β and ε subunits of spinach chloroplast ATPase indicate a dicistronic mRNA and an overlapping translation stop/start signal. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 79: 6260–6264 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  53. Zurawski G, Bottomley W, Whitfeld PR: Sequence of the genes for the β and ε subunits of ATP synthase from pea chloroplasts. Nucleic Acids Res 14: 3974 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mason, J.G., Whitfeld, P.R. The γ-subunit of spinach chloroplast ATP synthase: isolation and characterisation of cDNA and genomic clones. Plant Mol Biol 14, 1007–1018 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00019397

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00019397

Key words

Navigation