Quantification of gene expression in agrostis species subjected to zinc deficiency /

Abstract

Zinc is an essential micronutrient involved in many cellular mechanisms in biologycal systems and its deficiency causes severe reductions in crop yield and human health.In this study, our goal is to identify and characterize the genes expressed in three Agrostis species; Creeping (Agrostis stolonifera), Colonial (Agrostis capillaris) and Velvet (Agrostis canina) bentgrass upon exposure to zinc deficiency using mRNA differential display method. Differentially expressed fragments were sequenced and analyzed further. Nine differentially expressed genes whose expression levels either increased or decreased in response to zinc deficiency were identified. Transcripts identified have partial similarities to the previously identified metal binding proteins. A full sequence of differentially expressed gene was obtained by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The expression level of this gene was quantified by Real- Time PCR and a down-regulation was observed under zinc deficiency. The identified protein was characterized based on its similarity to the ZIP family transporters. This is the first report to identify and characterize homologous of the ZIP family transporters in Agrostis species.