Cotton 14-3-3L Gene Is Preferentially Expressed in Fiber

14-3-3 protein was originally identified during a systematic classification of bovine brain proteins. Thereafter, a number of 14-3-3 proteins have been found in every eukaryotic organism such as animal, fungi, and plant species. In combination with signal proteins, the 14-3-3s prove to contribute to the regulation of many crucial cellular processes including metabolism, signal transduction, cell-cycle control, apoptosis, protein trafficking, transcription, stress responses, malignant transformation, as well as membrane-transportation of mitochondrion and chloroplast precursor proteins.

14-3-3 proteins are encoded by a multigene family in both animals and plants. Arabidopsis contains 13 functional genes encoding typical 14-3-3 proteins. The 14-3-3 genes have been shown to be expressed in cell or tissue specific manners during Arabidopsis development. Three 14-3-3 genes have been isolated in barley. In potato, up- or down-regulation of the 14-3-3 gene expression altered the composition of lipids, amino acids, and minerals. Furthermore, over-expression of 14-3-3 gene enhances antioxidant activity by 45%, and consequently, delays leaf senescence in potato. Although 14-3-3 genes in a few plant species, such as Arabidopsis, have been well characterized, little is known on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) 14-3-3 gene, especially its role in regulation of fiber cell elongation. In this study, a cDNA encoding a putative 14-3-3 protein was isolated from fiber cDNA library of cotton. Here, we reported the molecular characterization of the Gh14-3-3L gene and its expression profile in cotton.